Latino Caucus Champions Farmworker Housing

SACRAMENTO – Today, Assemblymember Luis Alejo (D-Salinas), Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus, and Vice- Chair Senator Ben Hueso (D-San Diego), issued the following statement regarding the Assembly Budget Subcommittee’s proposed investment in farmworker housing. 

“As Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus, I commend the Assembly Budget Subcommittee for the proposed allocation of $20 million towards farmworker housing,” states Alejo.  “Not only is their work labor intensive, but the drought has also added another layer of uncertainly for many farmworkers up and down the state.  This reinvestment further demonstrates California’s commitment to an industry and their workforce who contribute so much to the state’s economy.”

Under the proposed allocation, the state will reinvest in four housing programs, which were cut during the Great Recession.  The programs which will be recipients of the funding, and their allocated amounts, are listed below:

• Joe Serna , Jr. Farmworker Housing Grants Program - $12 million
• Office of Migrant Services - $3.75 million
• California Self-Help Housing Program - $4 million
• Napa County Farmworker Housing Centers - $250,000

“California is one of the richest states in agricultural production,” stated Senator Hueso.  “The food our families eat is harvested by hardworking individuals that work tirelessly to provide our nation with the best production. We must do all we can to provide them with safe, reliable, and accessible farmworker housing.”

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Contact: Michelle Reyes / Michelle.Reyes@asm.ca.gov / (916) 319-2030