SAN ANTONIO -- Health care and immigration issues were at the forefront of a speech given by Sen. John Cornyn to the city's Hispanic leaders.

The Texas senator said he's been meeting with Hispanic leaders throughout the state, including small business owners, in an effort to learn more about his constituency.

"I think it's a great part of the ongoing conversation," he said. "I always learn something from these and also have a chance to explain my position on things like the nomination of (Supreme Court Associate Justice nominee) Judge (Sonia) Sotomayor and others."

Cornyn said that while he's discouraged that unemployment numbers are up through the state, he's encouraged by the fact that numbers aren't as high as they are across the country.