Economic Development and Workforce

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Yesterday, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) met with Department of Labor Secretary Marty Walsh to discuss strengthening the rights and working conditions of workers, including OSHA Emergency Temporary Standards, the status of American Rescue Plan provisions—such as COBRA unemployment benefits—and the importance of having robust Latino representation across the Department of Labor's workforce. The meeting was chaired by Congressional Labor Caucus Co-Chair and CHC Member Linda Sánchez. Following the meeting, Rep. Sánchez released the statement below:

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) met with Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg to discuss the American Jobs Plan and equity in transportation. Following the meeting, CHC Chairman Dr. Raul Ruiz released the statement below:

"I would like to thank Secretary Pete Buttigieg for meeting with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) to discuss the American Jobs Plan," said Chair Dr. Ruiz. "The pandemic has exposed and exacerbated existing racial and ethnic disparities. With the Biden Administration, we now have an opportunity to invest in underserved Hispanic communities as we work to build back better.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), led by Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-CA), and the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee (JEC), led by Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), released a new report that explores why immigrants are vital to the U.S. economy—both now (i.e. economic recovery) and in the future (i.e. economic growth)—despite being among the hardest hit by the health and economic effects of the coronavirus.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, the U.S. Senate confirmed Isabel Guzman as Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA). Guzman will be the first Latina to serve in President Biden's cabinet. Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) released the following statement in reaction to her confirmation:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. The PRO Act is the most comprehensive workers' rights legislation since the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).

WASHINGTON, D.C.—On Saturday, over 100 Democratic lawmakers sent a letter led by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to express their commitment to including a pathway to citizenship for essential workers, TPS holders, and Dreamers in the COVID-19 budget reconciliation package.

WASHINGTON — Today, President-Elect Joe Biden nominated Isabel Guzman as Small Business Administrator. Guzman currently serves as Director of California's Office of the Small Business Advocate. She was appointed to the position by Gov. Gavin Newsom. She is also the co-founder of a small business called GovContractPros. The company helps small business owners navigate federal government resources. Following the nomination, Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) released the following statement:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) issued the following statement on the passage of the Heroes Act:

"The Heroes Act is the federal response we need to overcome the gravest national crisis in a century. The coronavirus pandemic and the Trump administration's failures have resulted in nearly 1.5 million people infected, over 87,000 American deaths, and more than 36 million unemployed workers. Latinos have been hit especially hard in this crisis — one in five are out of work, we are the highest uninsured rate of any group, and also make up millions of essential workers as part of our nation's ‘critical infrastructure.' This bill sends a strong message that we will get through this crisis together as one American family.