Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez Convenes Hearing on Advancing Equity and Opportunity for California Latinas

SYLMAR, CALIFORNIA – On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, the Assembly Select Committee on Latina Inequities, chaired by Assistant Speaker Pro Tempore Celeste Rodriguez (D-San Fernando), held its first hearing examining the national economic status of Latinas and the potential impacts of the federal administration’s H.R. 1 on their economic mobility.

The hearing convened experts from across the state, including researchers, advocates, and community organizations, to help lawmakers better understand the systemic inequities affecting Latinas’ educational attainment, workforce participation, and long-term economic security. Participants engaged in a thoughtful discussion about how immigration enforcement policies could not only undermine progress made but also threaten future opportunities.

“Latinos in California contributed $1 trillion to the United States GDP, and Latinas are among the youngest and fastest growing segments of our population— we are pursuing higher education, raising families, starting businesses, and stepping into leadership roles,” said Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez. “Our state has taken critical steps to expand economic opportunity. However, we continue to carry a disproportionate burden of poverty and other challenges, all while this federal administration is actively seeking to undermine decades of progress. I am committed to continuing discussions and efforts to protect California Latinas and future generations because it will affect the future of our state and country,” continued Assemblywoman Rodriguez. 

Panelists highlighted challenges experienced by Latinas—one of California’s fastest-growing workforce populations—including:

• Persistent wage gaps and barriers to professional advancement
• Harmful impacts of immigration enforcement policies on families and worker safety
• Threats posed by federal actions that could weaken economic and social safety net programs
• Potential destabilization of key California industries such as agriculture, construction, and childcare

Experts underscored how immigration enforcement continues to undermine economic security, increase workplace exploitation, and heighten fear that prevents people from accessing essential public services. Witnesses also shared that recent federal actions carry long-term implications for healthcare access, education funding, and social supports relied on by Latinas and their families.

Economists estimate that mass deportations could cost California’s economy $275 billion and reduce tax revenue by $23 billion a year.

“I’m walking away with a renewed sensibility that we really need to look at the impacts of H.R. 1 and ask ourselves some tough questions about how we proceed, said Assemblymember Mia Bonta, member of the select committee and Chair of the Assembly Health Committee, during her closing remarks. “I appreciate the central focus on Latina community members and the Latino community. I’m walking away with a lot of hope and far better informed about what we need to do in the state of California,” Assemblymember Bonta concluded.

“Latinas are shaping the future of California with their leadership, resilience, and economic power,” said Helen Torres, CEO of Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE). “In a California with 7.5 million Latinas, we know that how Latinas fare is how California fares. Today’s Select Committee hearing is an opportunity to imagine a stronger, more equitable future—one where every Latina’s potential is recognized as essential to our state’s success. We are grateful to Chair Celeste Rodriguez for championing this vital conversation.”

“Today’s hearing made clear that Latinas are the backbone of California’s workforce, anchoring the economies that keep our state running. Yet, immigration enforcement policies continue to destabilize the very families and communities whose labor sustains our economy. When we face fear, instability, or barriers to opportunity, the consequences ripple across every sector—from public health to future state revenue,” said Dr. Amada Armenta, Faculty Director of UCLA’s Latino Policy & Politics Institute. “LPPI research shows that supporting Latina workers is not only a matter of equity, it is also central to California’s economic strength and long-term well-being.”

“The Trump Administration’s cruel immigration policies and the economic turmoil of 2025 have exacerbated the challenges faced by Latinas in every corner of our state,” said Shannon Camacho, Senior Associate of Policy for Inclusive Action for the City. We’re proud to join Assemblymember Rodriguez and state leaders to shine the spotlight on these dramatic inequities — and to advocate for policy solutions that right these wrongs and build an inclusive economy for Latinas and all Californians.”

The Select Committee will continue its work to identify legislative solutions to support California Latinas and their families. For more information on future hearings, please visit: https://committees.assembly.ca.gov/latina-inequities/hearings/all-hearings