HISPANIC CAUCUS ON MARIA CONTRERAS-SWEET CONFIRMATION

Washington, DC- Today, Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) and Congressman Ben Ray Luján, First Vice Chair and Diversity Task Force Chair (NM-03), released the following statements following the Senate's confirmation of Maria Contreras-Sweet as the next Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator.

"We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Maria Contreras-Sweet on her confirmation as SBA Administrator. Maria Contreras-Sweet is an excellent selection to lead the Small Business Administration, and given her proven track record, is just the right person to help small businesses and entrepreneurs. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus looks forward to working with Maria Contreras-Sweet in her new role." -- CHC Chairman Rubén Hinojosa.

“I congratulate Maria Contreras-Sweet and applaud the Senate for taking action on her nomination. Mrs. Contreras-Sweet will bring a wealth of experience to the Small Business Administration and will be a staunch advocate for the entrepreneurs that are the backbone of our economy. Her first-hand experience creating and running a business gives her deep insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the small business community, making her well qualified to serve in this important role.” -- CHC First Vice Chair and Diversity Task Force Chair Ben Ray Luján (NM-03).

Maria Contreras-Sweet is the Founder and Chairwoman of the Board of ProAmérica Bank, a Latino owned community bank focusing on small businesses and non-profits in Los Angeles. She has a distinguished record of public service, having served as the first Latina cabinet secretary in the history of the State of California and overseeing one of the largest state government agencies in the country.