UNITE-LA presented a session, “From Research to Practice: Partnering across the Workforce Ecosystem to Support Immigrant Workers,” at WORKCON 2026, hosted by the California Workforce Association and attended by business leaders, community-based organizations (CBOs), educational institutions, policymakers and Workforce Development Boards (WDBs) committed to creating effective, equitable and sustainable workforce solutions.

UNITE-LA's Associate Director, Public Policy, Ajay Lucas, joined partners in a Choose Children campaign gubernatorial candidates meet-and-greet.

In April, UNITE-LA joined partners in Sacramento to present at the California Immigrant Policy Center’s Immigrant Day of Action focused on health care access for immigrant entrepreneurs and self-employed workers. The discussion examined how federal affordability rollbacks, changes to Medi-Cal, and the growth of gig and non-traditional work are creating coverage gaps—putting immigrant business owners’ health and financial stability at risk.

UNITE-LA is pleased to report significant momentum in our advocacy efforts: two co-sponsored bills have advanced beyond their house of origin and will continue through the State Legislature, while one of our key budget priorities received increased funding in the Governor’s May Revision.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT:
Claudine Battisti

STATEMENT FROM UNITE-LA ON THE RESIGNATION OF LAUSD SUPERINTENDENT ALBERTO CARVALHO

As California leaders work to finalize the state budget, UNITE-LA continues to urge policymakers to protect investments that strengthen education, workforce development and economic mobility. Last month, UNITE-LA responded to the Governor's May Revision by calling for continued support for critical programs that help students, workers and families thrive, including child care, career education, financial aid and regional workforce partnerships.

Access to affordable, high-quality child care is essential for both family well-being and workforce participation. Last month, UNITE-LA's Senior Vice President of Education Policy and Public Affairs, Sonia Campos-Rivera, joined an expert panel at the City of Los Angeles Early Care and Education (ECE) Expo to discuss the role local governments can play in expanding child care access and strengthening support for working families.

UNITE-LA is proud to recognize Boeing for its ongoing investment in the success of our LA Regional Cleantech Career Academy (Academy) and its commitment to preparing the next generation of cleantech leaders.

In May, as part of the statewide Choose Children CA 2026 campaign, UNITE-LA joined our early care and education partners at Univision 34 / KMEX in Los Angeles to put children and families at the center of California's gubernatorial race as part of the Latinos Preguntan: Candidatos Responden segment.

The program featured one-on-one interviews with California's gubernatorial candidates who were available to attend, including Xavier Becerra, Chad Bianco, Steve Hilton, Katie Porter and Tony Thurmond, moderated by award-winning anchor Gabriela Tessier.

Workforce stability remains essential to the success of California's employers, workers and communities. Last month, UNITE-LA mobilized business leaders across the state to advocate for federal policies that support a strong and reliable workforce.

As Congress debated additional funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), UNITE-LA coordinated efforts to ensure policymakers heard directly from the business community about the importance of workforce stability. Our advocacy included a joint business letter, a press conference in El Sereno featuring UNITE-LA President Alysia Bell and local employers, participation in the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce fly-in and direct outreach to congressional offices, federal agencies and business partners.