After three years of historical surpluses in our state budget that helped uplift and strengthen youth and families from historically marginalized communities, California is again facing historical deficits that will negatively affect progress made. UNITE-LA has been proactive in sharing our concerns with state leadership by meeting with legislators and writing letters of support indicating UNITE-LA’s priorities. Read our letter specific to education and workforce development.

UNITE-LA also led in the development of an early care and education budget letter highlighting our top three priorities:

• Continued investments towards finalizing the distribution of childcare spaces that were appropriated in the 2023-24 budget;
• Developing and implementing an alternative rate methodology in collaboration with providers, families and advocates; and lastly,
• Continuing with committed investments to Transitional Kindergarten and Full-Day Kindergarten programs.

UNITE-LA is proud to have garnered the support of 17 business partners from throughout the state on this support letter for ECE.

Our partners at New CA Coalition featured an interview with UNITE-LA's Senior Vice President of Policy, Sonia Campos-Rivera, in their publication showcasing our work to uplift young Angelenos and promote economic mobility in the region. Key focus areas include collaboration between businesses, community leaders and advocacy groups to drive positive changes. The full interview may be viewed here.

UNITE-LA worked closely with Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) and Valley Industry Coalition Association (VICA) to develop an op-ed around the need to maintain state ECE/child care investments to ensure a thriving economy. The op-ed was published by the Los Angeles Business Journal making the case that child care is critical to working families, particularly women of color and that business agrees these investments are key to ensure a thriving economy. The op-ed is viewable here.

UNITE-LA supported business organization partner the North Bay Leadership Council to advance an op-ed in the Press Democrat, focused on the crucial need for Cal Grant reform. The North Bay Leadership Council has been a staunch supporter of the effort since 2021. UNITE-LA, in partnership with the CA Student Aid Commission (CSAC) and a dozen other advocacy organizations led a renewed effort this year to fully fund Cal Grant Reform in the budget. The article may be viewed here.