Senator decries delays on Hispanic claims

[The Straight Story]

Senator decries delays on Hispanic claims


WASHINGTON, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., has questioned denial of class-action status for Hispanic farmers suing the government for discrimination.

"Justice dictates that if in fact the government discriminated against a class of people and we recognize that discrimination existed, you don't use legal barriers, i.e. opposing class-action status, to shield the government," Menendez said, The Washington Post reported Monday.

"It is no secret decades of indifference and discrimination in lending practices … have made it difficult for minority farmers, specifically Hispanic farmers, to make a living at what they love to do," Menendez said.

A previous class-action suit filed against the U.S. Department of Agriculture by black farmers resulted in a settlement of $1 billion. Similar cases, only without the class-action status, have been filed by Hispanic and women farmers. Native American farmers, however, were granted class-action status and are negotiating a settlement.

http://www.upi.com/Business_News/2009/12/21/Senator-decries-delays-on-Hispanic-claims/UPI-14981261423283/