The Board of Supervisors called Tuesday for the preparation of a study on the state of the Latino community in Los Angeles County, including disparities they may face in areas such as health care, housing and access to services.
Supervisor Hilda Solis introduced the motion calling for the study, saying the Latino community is the largest ethnic group in the county with 4.7 million residents. She lauded the community’s contributions to the local economy, history, music, art and culture.
“Latino businesses in the county contribute a GDP larger than the GDP of many states,” Solis said.
“Despite all their contributions … Latino residents continue to face disparities in several key areas preventing the community from achieving its fullest potential,” Solis added.
She pointed to issues such as lower graduation rates, disproportionate access to health care, rent burdens and reduced access to county infrastructure.
The board instructed the county CEO to present a State of Latinidad in Los Angeles County report biannually to the board, in collaboration with community partners and academics.
The board further asked the Los Angeles County Office of Education, Departments of Public Social Services, Economic Opportunity, Consumer and Business Affairs, Parks and Recreation among others, to present comprehensive reports studying policies to better support the community.
The reports are expected to examine issues being faced by the community and develop recommendations for ways to address disparities they may face, including a review of the Spanish-speaking community’s ability to comprehend street signs and public service announcements.
The list of directives also included a request for the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s Office to report back in writing in 90 days on recommendations for increasing voter participation in the Latino community.