Fewer students are dropping out of high school today than in generations past, and that is cause for celebration. This is particularly true for Hispanic students, whose dropout rate has fallen dramatically to just under 12 percent. However this trend masks a disturbing reality.

Despite the promises of “stimulus” spending, low interest rates, and the trillions of dollars added to our debt, the U.S. economy has barely improved and Hispanics are suffering because of it.

Since the beginning of the Recession in 2007, the brunt of the economic downturn has been felt differently by various groups. Hispanics, in particular, faced a serious spike in unemployment that has been slower to recover than other demographics.

Despite the promises of “stimulus” spending, low interest rates, and the trillions of dollars added to our debt, the U.S. economy has barely improved and Hispanics are suffering because of it.

The energy industry is critical to the US and Southwest economies. The industry has a large impact on jobs as well as taxes paid to the local and national governments. Energy production and policies also impact our national security. Energy experts will explore these topics and more on today’s panel.

Today during the Southwest Business Summit, The LIBRE Institute will release a new study titled La Oportunidad: The Growing Importance of Hispanic Entrepreneurs and How States Can Benefit.

America’s strong entrepreneurial tradition has been, for many, the pathway to the American dream. This is particularly true for many of the nation’s Hispanic immigrants and descendants who have been an integral part of the present-day U.S. entrepreneurial economy.

The LIBRE Institute (LIBRE), a 501c3 nonpartisan and nonprofit organization that raises public awareness, provides empowerment resources, and serves as a source of information on the most pressing economic issues of our time, primarily to the U.S. Hispanic community, will host the Southwest Business Summit: Strategies for Economic Prosperity on May 18th and 19th in Albuquerque, NM.