UNITE-LA Welcomes Balanced State Budget that Prioritizes Youth, Families and Workforce Development

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 2, 2026

UNITE-LA WELCOMES BALANCED STATE BUDGET THAT PRIORITIZES YOUTH, FAMILIES AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

LOS ANGELES – UNITE-LA today applauds state leaders for reaching a balanced budget that largely protects investments in students, families and the rising workforce amid a challenging fiscal environment. 

"Balanced budgets are important, but equally as important is upholding the state's commitment to investing in our youth to ensure a strong future for all Californians," said Alysia Bell, president, UNITE-LA. "Gov. Newsom and the Legislature navigated a difficult budget climate this year, and we are glad to see  investments in our youth, education and workforce pathways were prioritized and protected. As an organization focused on coordinating education and workforce systems, we stand ready to support the alignment of critical education programs with the shifting role of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction."

Cradle-to-career budget highlights include:

Child Care: The addition of 22,770 new child care slots, providing a two percent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) rate increase for child care programs, and $11.8 million in Proposition 64 funds for child care facilities impacted by natural disasters in 2025. 
Dual Enrollment: $100 million one-time to expand dual enrollment programs, including support for College and Career Access Pathways programs, instructional flexibility, dual credit clarifications and technical assistance. 
Workforce Pell: $664,000 to support implementation of the new federal Workforce Pell Grant program and establish a state framework for the California Student Aid Commission to approve eligible short-term programs. 
SEED: $10.8 million one-time General Fund for the Social Entrepreneurs for Economic Development (SEED) program. While the budget agreement did not fund the $45 million request, this initial investment provides important support for entrepreneurship and small business opportunities in immigrant and underserved communities. 
Credit for Prior Learning: $37 million in Proposition 98 General Fund support for the Credit for Prior Learning Initiative.
Community Colleges COLA: $30.6 million in ongoing Proposition 98 General Fund support for a 2.87 percent cost-of-living adjustment, benefiting adult education and other key student support programs. 
Strong Workforce Program: $15.75 million in one-time Proposition 98 funding to the Strong Workforce Program, partially restoring funds that were previously redirected to nursing education. 
Cradle-to-Career Data System: Maintains ongoing investments in the Cradle-to-Career Data System and includes trailer bill language requiring data providers to enter into data-sharing agreements necessary for full implementation. 
Educator Workforce: $10 million for the Bilingual Teacher Pathway program and $27.8 million for the Golden State Teacher Grant.
Safety Net Investments: $75 million for Dream Resource Center Grant Program and $303.1 million to continue full-scope Medi-Cal coverage for qualified immigrants, including as refugees, asylees and survivors of trafficking, through July 1, 2027.

While the final budget preserves many critical investments, UNITE-LA continues to advocate for sustainable funding for the California Regional K-16 Education Collaborative Grant Program. These statewide regional collaboratives are critical to aligning education and workforce systems, helping young people access pathways into high-demand industries. UNITE-LA also continues to advocate for child care reimbursement rate reform to ensure the early childhood workforce is compensated at a livable wage and that providers receive funding that reflects the true cost of care. 

"We look forward to working with the Legislature and Administration on these efforts. We thank Gov. Newsom for his longstanding commitment to working families and California's future workforce," Bell concluded. 

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About UNITE-LA
For 28 years, UNITE-LA has championed equitable, economic mobility via cradle-though-career education and workforce development efforts that strengthen systems, policies and high-quality education and career pathways. UNITE-LA serves as an intermediary, collaborating with key stakeholders—including educators, employers, policymakers and community leaders—to ensure all individuals, especially those facing systemic barriers, have opportunities to thrive. Co-founded by the City of Los Angeles, L.A. Unified School District and L.A. Community College District, UNITE-LA is grounded in the region with state and national partnerships extending its impact throughout California and the U.S. Learn more at www.unitela.com.