This document presents testimony delivered before the House Select Committee on Children, Youth, and Families on the economic status of Hispanic children and families in the United States. The speaker, a senior policy analyst at the National Council of La Raza, focuses on the strengths of Hispanic families, the economic challenges they face, and the public policy implications of these findings. Findings on Hispanic family strengths include the following: (1) spouse earnings provide increasing support for Hispanic families; (2) Hispanic families have a strong work ethic; and (3) Hispanic families can withstand negative influences. The testimony examines signs of stress in the following areas: (1) poverty among Hispanic children; (2) poverty among married-couple families; (3) poverty among families headed by native-born Hispanics; and (4) the growing income gap between Hispanics and Whites. The following implications for the future are suggested for policymakers' consideration: (1) earnings-focused policies are a high priority for Hispanic families; (2) Hispanic families can and will take advantage of increased opportunities; and (3) high priority should be given to programs and policies that preserve and reinforce the strengths of Hispanic families. These would include community-based education models, family-focused social services, and more flexible housing assistance regulations. Statistical data in nine graphs are appended. (AF)