The UNITE-LA Policy team lost a policy consultant and dear friend, Tony Rice.

Tony had been retained by UNITE-LA since 2013 to represent the team in Sacramento by attending legislative hearings, supporting advocacy efforts and providing policy and political guidance to not only amplify UNITE-LA’s visibility, but also to pass legislation that would improve the lives of many Californians. Tony was critical in the passage of key legislation such as the Emergency Child Care Bridge Program for Foster Children (2017); Paid Family Leave expansion programs (2020-21); and providing access to financial aid by removing institutionally imposed barriers (2023). Tony has left a lasting impact on UNITE-LA, and we owe much of our policy successes to our friend. His family has established a Meal Train fund where donations can be made.