Every decade, Californians have an opportunity to make their voices heard on how they would like to be represented at various levels of government. From the U.S. House of Representatives to the California Legislature, we must play our part in redrawing the political lines in California’s redistricting process in 2021. Our issues, our communities, and our fight for a fairer democracy are at stake!
California’s Latino small business community is no exception—they must make their voices heard in this once-in-a-decade process. Here are a few reasons why:
1) Latino small businesses are key to California’s economic resurgence as the state recovers from Covid-19. They will need fair political representation at all levels of government.
Nearly 1 out of every 4 small businesses in California is Latino-owned. Annually, these businesses generate approximately $100 billion annually. They are a cornerstone of our thriving communities. In California, the percentage of Latina women who report self-employment grew over the past five years. In fact, Latinas are among the entrepreneurs that are reporting self-employment at higher rates, relative to other demographic groups.
2) Latino entrepreneurs and small business owners deserve political representation that considers the enormous contributions they make to California’s economic prosperity.
Lawmakers at the state and federal level have the power to enact policies that can strengthen California’s small business community—but only if voters can hold them accountable. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the State Legislature approved a proposal to invest a total of $4 billion in relief dollars to small businesses impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Sacramento lawmakers also made investments to cultivate entrepreneurship among historically disenfranchised communities, including immigrants, communities of color, and small businesses based in rural communities.
3) When Latino entrepreneurs make their voices heard in the redistricting process, they can ensure that lawmakers are responsive to the needs of the community when the next disaster hits.
They also help ensure that the issues they prioritize are taken seriously by elected officials, including longstanding barriers to capital that keep Latinos businesses from growing.
To learn more about California’s Redistricting process and identify ways to get involved, visit wedrawthelines.org.
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