One year after ICE raids in Los Angeles disrupted communities, impacted businesses and resulted in an estimated $1 billion economic impact to the County, UNITE-LA remains committed to supporting employers, workers and immigrant communities through advocacy, resources and engagement.

Last month, LA DEAL joined the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) and California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Commissioner Darcie L. Houck for a broadband roundtable as part of a statewide series of California Advanced Services Fund (CSF) Listening Sessions.

In June, UNITE-LA's Edgar Castillo testified before the Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee in support of AB 805, legislation that would establish the Career Apprenticeship Bridge (CAB) Program and advance a key recommendation from the California Youth Apprenticeship Committee’s final report.

UNITE-LA continues to advance policies that strengthen California’s workforce system and expand economic mobility by building support among business leaders, workforce stakeholders and policymakers across the state. Through strategic engagement and advocacy, UNITE-LA is elevating solutions that strengthen education-to-career pathways, expand apprenticeship opportunities and improve workforce outcomes for Californians. Recent efforts have focused on increasing awareness and support for key legislative priorities, including AB 805, which would establish a Career Apprenticeship Bridge Program, and SB 1054, which advances policies designed to improve economic opportunity and workforce system effectiveness.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 2, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT:
Claudine Battisti

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

On June 24, 2026, AB 2279 passed out of committee with amendments and is now headed to the Senate Appropriations Committee. This bill seeks to help more people get reliable and affordable internet. AB 2279 strengthens the role of Regional Broadband Consortia (RBCs) that work directly with residents, community stakeholders and local governments to connect them to internet services. This includes helping people find affordable options, sign up for service and learn how to use it in their daily lives. Access to the internet is essential today—for applying to jobs, completing schoolwork, accessing health care and staying connected to family and community.

At the Bay Area Council Economic Institute’s June report release event, UNITE-LA President Alysia Bell highlighted the urgent need for cross-regional collaboration to strengthen communities and economic resilience amid increased immigration enforcement activities.

In April, UNITE-LA tabled at the L.A. Times Festival of Books to support A Golden State for Kids, a statewide campaign highlighting the importance of a strong child care infrastructure for children from birth to age three.

In May, UNITE-LA attended Access Sacramento, an annual fly-in event hosted by the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce to connect business leaders and stakeholders with Sacramento officials.

UNITE-LA partnered with six Los Angeles-based organizations to host an advocacy day with almost 100 advocates, parents, children and child care providers.