The explosive growth of the Hispanic community in the U.S. state of Texas is making them the largest population group in the state. But voting, education and poverty are all issues.

Within the next few years, Texas will make history as it will become the first state with a majority Hispanic population.  The shift is the result of increased migration and a rising birth rate.

Being the largest ethnic group in the Lone Star State should translate into significant political clout. But it may not turn out that way.

Correspondent John Zarrella went to south Texas and tells us why.

According to the U.S. Census, the latest figures show 58 million people in the United States are Hispanic.  That’s 18 percent of the population.  The states with the largest Hispanic populations are California, Texas, Florida, New York and Illinois.