By: Ashmar Mandou

As State Representative of the 24th District, Elizabeth ‘Lisa’ Hernandez is grateful each year she has the opportunity to represent the community in which she grew up in. “When I walk outside my door and see my constituents it just gives me great joy to know that I am working hard every day to make sure their needs are being met,” said Representative Hernandez. This past season proved to be the toughest for Rep. Hernandez who spent many months deciding on how she and her team would rework the budget. “That whole experience was truly a great experience. It was a bipartisan effort, so it was great to work with others and really be in the company of individuals who were ready to work.” Rep. Hernandez’s challenges have helped develop a much more open-minded approach in terms of how to do the best for the public, according to Hernandez. During the September month as Latinos celebrate their heritage, Rep. Hernandez shared her message with her community. “This is a great time to take part of this celebration and really get to know who you are and where you come from,” said Hernandez. “It is also a time to come together and work for the betterment of the Latino community and push for changes that meet our needs.”