What you need to know: Governor Newsom supports working families, strengthening democracy, and protecting communities at the 50th NALEO Annual Conference. Para leer este comunicado en español, haga clic aquí.
July 15, 2026 - LOS ANGELES – Governor Gavin Newsom on Tuesday highlighted California’s work to expand opportunity for working families, strengthen democracy, lower costs, and protect communities from harmful federal policies in honor of the 50th anniversary of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Annual Conference.
Governor Newsom discussed during a fireside chat with Senator Alex Padilla and NALEO CEO Erica Bernal-Martinez on how California is helping families succeed through state investments while defending the rights and freedoms that allow communities to thrive.
Governor Gavin Newsom with U.S. Senator Alex Padilla and NALEO CEO Erica Bernal-Martinez at a NALEO fireside chat
Something’s fundamentally broken here – wealth is creating power, locking in rules and regulations, and locking everybody else out. As someone who’s been deeply involved in the fight for democracy, for our republic — we cannot save our democracy unless we democratize our economy.
Governor Gavin Newsom
To view the fireside remarks, click here.
Under Governor Newsom’s leadership, California has:
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Expanded paid family leave and paid sick leave.
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Established universal free school meals.
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Expanded free and subsidized child care and universal transitional kindergarten.
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Raised the minimum wage and delivered historic wage increases for workers.
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Enacted some of the nation’s strongest renter protections.
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Expanded access to health care and affordability programs.
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Invested billions to accelerate housing production and lower housing costs.
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Launched California’s Master Plan for Career Education to prepare workers for jobs in emerging industries, including artificial intelligence.
Governor Newsom also highlighted California’s continued commitment to protecting democracy by expanding access to voting, safeguarding election workers, and defending free and fair elections.
Protecting Californians
Addressing challenges facing Latino families and immigrant communities, the Governor also reaffirmed California’s commitment to protecting civil rights, supporting legal services, expanding educational supports, and defending communities against unlawful federal actions while continuing to advocate for comprehensive federal immigration reform.
Over nearly eight years, Governor Newsom has advanced a blueprint for state actions on immigration, including efforts to build a fairer, more inclusive society, to catalyze immigrants’ skills and talent for a stronger economy and to mitigate the harms caused by federal inaction, such as a lack of Congressional action to modernize our immigration system, to strengthen border security and to provide an earned pathway to citizenship for the millions of hardworking Californians who have built lives here and contributed for many years.
As President Trump continues his extreme attacks on immigrants, including many Latino families, the Governor has taken action to hold the federal government accountable and increase support for families, workers and small businesses through new investments and protections.
Supporting working families
Preparing California’s workforce
Defending Democracy
Standing with immigrant families
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Expanded free legal services, including supports against unlawful detention
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Increased community and business outreach on Know Your Rights
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Funded regional hubs of community services for families and help with basic needs
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Strengthened parental rights in face of family separation, as well as school protections and supports for immigrant students
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Worker protections with regard to immigration enforcement
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Litigation challenging unlawful federal actions, including detention facilities
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Investments supporting immigrant communities and small businesses
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Source: Office of the Governor

