MONTERREY, NUEVO LEON – U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur (OH-9) traveled to México on Saturday, June 30, 2007, to help the Toledo-based Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC) open its remodeled office in Monterrey, Nuevo León.

FLOC President Baldemar Velásquez (left) joins Epifania Cruz (mother of slain organizer Santiago Rafael Cruz) and U.S. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur as Father Garza gives the blessing upon the re-opening of the FLOC office in Monterrey, México.

Congresswoman Kaptur spoke at a grand opening of the FLOC office, which was named the Santiago Rafael Cruz Center for Justice in honor of the FLOC labor organizer who was murdered in April of 2007. 

“We are so proud of the work that FLOC does under the leadership of Baldemar Velásquez,” Congresswoman Kaptur said.  “FLOC gives voice to the voiceless and we honor that spirit of commitment.  I traveled her today to show my solidarity with FLOC and show my support for its mission.”

During her one-day visit to Monterrey , Congresswoman Kaptur also met with top law enforcement officials from the state of Nuevo León and spoke on the telephone with Governor José Natividad González Paras.  She urged the officials to fully investigate the Cruz murder.  The officials promised to stay in touch with Congresswoman Kaptur regarding the investigation.

Congresswoman Kaptur also discussed other issues with the state government leaders, including establishment of bi-national credit unions to cut the cost of cash remittances.