President-elect Donald Trump’s economic agenda will put workers and entrepreneurship first, from tax cuts and deregulation to a tough stance on China. It was those policies that drove Latinos to support him in record numbers.

Those Latinos may be the most significant beneficiaries of those policies, from consumers to workers in industries like construction and energy to small business entrepreneurs.

Like most Americans, Latino voters prioritized economic policies over other hot-button issues in November. This trend was evident in battleground states, where many Latinos supported Trump’s domestic agenda — and no wonder. During Trump’s first term, the unemployment rate for Hispanics hit a record low of 3.9% in 2019, and wages rose across industries. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 enabled Latino-owned businesses to reinvest and expand, driving economic growth, bigger paychecks and more job opportunities.

Contrast the pre-pandemic Trump years to the Biden administration’s four years in charge. Rising costs for essentials like healthcare and housing, along with inflationary pressures, have eroded wage gains for Americans. Despite these challenges, the Latino community’s resilience and entrepreneurial spirit remain strong, as does their faith in Trump’s campaign promises to invest in education, workforce development and entrepreneurship.

Trump’s “America First” agenda has consistently emphasized job creation and pro-business policies in each of his runs for office, a message that resonates with the thriving entrepreneurship culture in Latino communities.

Again, these aren’t hopes and dreams. According to the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Latino-owned businesses grew 34% over the last decade. Trump’s first-term policies contributed significantly to that growth — and they will likely accelerate the future of Latino business with policies like lower taxes, reduced regulatory burdens, and stopping China’s economic, technological, and intellectual property predations.

Trump’s focus on American manufacturing, energy independence, and industries like steel, automotive, and oil and gas could see a resurgence.

Of course, things aren’t entirely rosy for Latinos or other Americans. Inflation is still high, the prices of college, healthcare, and housing continue to bury younger Americans in debt, and trade tensions could increase the prices of commodities. That’s where Latinos have always thrived in America — under pressure, as long as fundamental opportunities for work and entrepreneurship are present.

The 2024 election underscored a profound truth: Latinos are critical players in America’s economic and political present and future. Trump is setting the standard for policymakers, business leaders and investors: prioritize partnerships with the Latino community, recognize our role as a cornerstone of America’s future prosperity, and understand that we are an engaged voting block that will vote with, and for, our wallets.

Gabriela Berrospi is a Peruvian-born entrepreneur and financial educator dedicated to empowering the Latino community through financial literacy/InsideSources

A bicyclist is in the hospital with life-threatening injuries after an SUV struck him in the South End Friday morning.

Police responded to the intersection of Albany and East Berkeley Streets at around 11:12 a.m. Friday for a motor vehicle strike call, according to a police report. The severity of the injuries necessitated the presence of homicide and accident reconstruction investigative teams.

The striking vehicle was a gray 2013 Ford Escape, according to the report.

A Boston Police Department spokesman confirmed to the Herald at around 6 p.m. that the bicyclist was still in critical condition and that his injuries were still life threatening.

Cops nab one of Boston’s most wanted

BPD officers arrested a man who had made the department’s most wanted list for charges including aggravated assault and battery, mayhem and armed robbery.

A brief BPD update states that Christopher Anderson, 39, of Quincy, was arrested in the area of 88 Bailey Street on Thursday afternoon. He is expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court.

Assault suspect sought

The BPD is looking for a man they describe as “a black male, light complexion, wearing all black clothing, and black gloves” for an aggravated assault Wednesday afternoon in the 700-block of Dudley Street in Dorchester.

Police ask that anyone who recognizes him to contact detectives at (617) 343-4275 or to provide information anonymously through the CrimeStoppers tip line by calling 1-800-494-TIPS (8477) or texting the word TIP to CRIME (27463).

The day has finally arrived to Nebraska football to play in a bowl game again, and the Big Ten Conference has released the team’s availability report.

For the Huskers, 14 players are listed as out: wide receiver Demetrius Bell, kicker Tristan Alvano, fullback Barret Liebentritt, defensive back Evan Taylor, defensive back Roger Gradney, defensive back Thomas D’Onofrio, offensive lineman Teddy Prochazka, offensive lineman Turner Corcoran, defensive lineman David Borchers, offensive lineman Tyler Knaak, wide receiver Cooper Hausmann, tight end Mac Markway, defensive lineman Sua Lefotu, and defensive lineman Conor Conneally. No Huskers are listed as questionable.

Nebraska is also without opt out Micah Mazzccua (offensive line) and a number of players that hit the transfer portal.

The ACC does not require injury reports, but Boston College will be without opt outs defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku and offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo, both first-team All-ACC selections this fall. The Eagles are also without running back Alex Broome, cornerback Amari Jackson, and linebacker Owen McGowan, who all suffered season-ending injuries at various points this fall.

Nebraska and Boston College are slated for an 11 a.m. CST kick on ABC.

All availability reports can be found at BigTen.org.

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