March 3, 2006

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm met this week with members of the Commission on Spanish Speaking Affairs (COSSA) to discuss the commission’s five-year strategic plan.  The commission is focusing its efforts in the areas of economic development, education, leadership and political involvement, and the Legislature.
 
“This five-year plan is on target to serve the needs of our Hispanic citizens in Michigan while strengthening the state and our economy as a whole,” Granholm said.  “I applaud the dedication and professionalism of the members of this commission.  Their work is helping to make Michigan a place where people want to live and do business.”
 
The mission of COSSA is to develop a unified policy and plan of action to serve the needs of Michigan’s Hispanic residents.  The strategic plan will help the commission to affect the quality of lives for Michigan Hispanics.  The plan includes: planning and hosting a small business forum; increasing high school graduation rates and college enrollment and graduation rates; and increasing the number of Hispanic leaders in both the public and private sectors.

The commission was created by Public Act 164 of 1975 to advise the Governor and Legislature on issues concerning Michigan’s Spanish-speaking residents.  The commission consists of 15 members appointed by the Governor who are of Hispanic descent and are Spanish speaking.