UNITE-LA joined a delegation of more than 100 leaders from the business, education and nonprofit sectors in Washington, D.C., as part of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce’s ACCESS D.C. The focus was on advocating for investments in rebuilding Los Angeles, preparing for global sporting events, and education and workforce policies promoting economic growth, considering shifting federal priorities and budget constraints. Amid historic federal workforce reductions and restructuring—where agencies like the Departments of Education and Labor are facing massive staff and budget cuts—these conversations took on increased urgency. Federal funding uncertainties threaten critical student success programs, workforce training initiatives, and economic mobility pathways for multilingual learners, undocumented students and historically marginalized communities.

Key ACCESS D.C. meetings included discussions with Representatives Pete Aguilar, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Katherine Clark (Minority Whip) and Senator Alex Padilla’s Education & Healthcare staff, as well as the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the Senate Committee on Higher Education. These conversations reinforced the need for continued federal investment in workforce pipelines, education affordability and upskilling opportunities, as well as protecting sensitive locations like schools from ICE agents—issues that remain critical to ensuring inclusive economic growth in Los Angeles and beyond.

In addition, we were invited to attend a private dinner with members of the L.A. Area Chamber leadership and Board of Directors to discuss the dismantling of the Department of Education. We were joined by fellow education leaders, Maria Veloz from the Los Angeles Community College District, Marth Alavarez from LAUSD and Juan De La Cruz from the Adventist Health White Memorial Charitable Foundation. Our thought partnership contributed to the statement that was released by the Chamber on its concerns with the dismantling of critical departments that elevate education and workforce development (Linked here).

Despite federal budget challenges, business and education leaders must remain engaged in shaping policy solutions that support strong talent pipelines and economic resilience. The road ahead requires continued collaboration with policymakers to ensure that federal, state and local efforts align to sustain investments in workforce and education programs that drive opportunity for all. The most important request from congressional leaders is to continue elevating data-driven advocacy on the impact of these cuts and to provide testimonials on how they are affecting students and families.