On Feb. 12, UNITE-LA joined business leaders, economic development partners and community stakeholders for a press conference in Los Angeles to highlight growing concerns about workforce instability and its impact on local businesses and regional economic health as federal funding negotiations continue in Congress.

Last month, UNITE-LA participated in the Youth Apprenticeship Summit: Breaking Down Silos – The Future of Youth Apprenticeship in Sacramento, marking a critical moment as California shifts from planning to implementation of a statewide youth apprenticeship system. Following the final convening of the California Youth Apprenticeship Committee (CYAC), the summit brought together education, workforce and policy leaders to focus on operationalizing the committee’s recommendations and breaking down silos across K-12, community colleges and workforce development systems.

UNITE-LA was honored to partner with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) and Small Business Majority to co-host a timely webinar supporting employers and business leaders as they navigate new compliance requirements under SB 294, the Workplace Know Your Rights Act. The strong participation and engagement reflected a shared commitment across the business community to stay informed and prepared.

Following Gov. Gavin Newsom's release of his final state budget proposal, UNITE-LA recognizes the administration's continued commitment to strengthening California’s education and workforce systems.

UNITE-LA—alongside 24 business organizations representing a cross-section of California’s business community—sent a letter to members of Congress expressing serious concerns about proposed increased federal immigration enforcement funding and its consequences for California’s workforce and economy.

Last month, UNITE-LA's Executive Vice President, Amy Cortina, participated in the United We Stand Immigration & Democracy Summit as a panelist on “The Opportunity Pipeline – Defending Access to the CA Dream” with the Small Business Majority and Warehouse Worker Resource Center, moderated by Building Skills Partnership.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 12, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT:
Claudine Battisti

BUSINESS LEADERS CALL ON CONGRESS TO REJECT ADDITIONAL DHS ENFORCEMENT FUNDING

Small business owners warn workforce instability creates ripple effects across food supply and local economies

UNITE-LA is pleased to share that Kelly Reynolds, director of Education and Workforce Strategy & Policy at UNITE-LA, has been appointed as vice chair of the Education and Workforce Development Committee for the Valley Industry & Commerce Association (VICA).

On Dec. 8, UNITE-LA joined the Downtown L.A. Walking Tour hosted by the Select Committee on Downtown Revitalization, alongside Assemblymembers Matt Haney and Mark Gonzalez, representatives from Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove’s office and Councilmember Isabel Jurado.

On Thursday, Dec. 4, UNITE-LA hosted its final Education Means Business webinar of 2025 that focused on the state of early care and education amid budget cuts and financial challenges at the federal and state levels.