In January, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger proposed a system of universal health insurance that would guarantee medical coverage for all of the state’s residents. If approved, the plan will make California the third state in the country to require coverage for all of its citizens, after Massachusetts and Vermont.
The move was echoed in Washington later that month when President Bush unveiled his proposal for lowering healthcare costs for the uninsured. While the results of both proposals remain to be seen, it represents a welcome shift in attitude, particularly for the estimated 46.6 million Americans, including 8.3 million children, who reportedly had no health insurance in 2005, according to census figures. Furthermore, California sent a strong message that if the federal government doesn’t act, states will take the matter into their own hands.
With health and education taking the national spotlight, we take a close look at the state of both aspects in our country, beginning with leading educator Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón, who discusses the not-so-evident relation between healthcare and education, and ponders the future of our middle class (p. 14); while columnist Ruben Navarrette, Jr. analyzes the debate over school desegregation (p. 12). And, we speak with two Hispanic leaders who are taking health and education matters into their own hands: Dany Garcia (p. 48) and Jose Sanchez (p. 56).
Also as part of our special, a health guide for everyone in the family (p. 30), and our yearly list of the best colleges in the U.S. for Latinos (p. 36).
This month San Antonio native and Desperate Housewives star Ricardo Chavira graces our cover and talks to Hispanic about his latest ventures and his jump to the big screen (p. 60). Join us as we take a trip through Nicaragua (p. 26), dissect the best dressed Latinos (p. 20), take on the best salsa dancers in the world (p. 44), talk to Oscar-winning singer and songwriter Jorge Drexler (p. 64) and bring you the best new books (p. 74) and music (p. 80).

Enjoy!

Daniel EilembergEditor