Wendy Carrillo is newly elected to California’s Assembly. She’s a Democrat, a former labor organizer, she’s under 40, and passionate about public service.
She feels strongly about civil rights, especially for immigrants, since she is an immigrant herself.
Hailing from Latin America, the Assemblywoman, once said: “As an immigrant from El Salvador, it’s my duty to shine light on President Trump’s misguided decision to end TPS (the Temporary Protected Status designation for El Salvador).”
We recently interviewed Carrillo about her new post and her vision for California.
Q: What are the top policy priorities you'll be focusing on as an Assemblymember? What do you hope to accomplish in your first year?
Carrillo:In the Assembly, I have made it my priority to focus on healthcare, women’s rights, education, job creation, immigration and affordable housing.
In the last eight weeks in office, I have introduced legislation to help local small businesses win public contracts, help local cities and counties deal with the homelessness crisis, and will continue to push for more affordable housing.
As a member of the Assembly Health Committee and the Mental Health Services Oversight Commision, I am working for universal healthcare and ways for people to get the mental health services they need.
In addition to the Health Committee, I also sit on the following committees: Appropriations, Public Safety, Rules and Water Parks & Wildlife. I will be honing in on these issue areas to be the most effective representative of the 51st Assembly District community.
Q: What is the most effective way for constituents to communicate with you and let you know how they feel about issues?
Carrillo: My team and I welcome constituents to our offices both in the district and capitol. We’re always happy to have conversations regarding your concerns or direct you to the specific agencies that can help mitigate issues.
You can reach us in person in both our district and capitol offices, by phone, mail, email, or our website. For constituent issues, we have a direct contact form on our website. Our information is below.
Capitol Office:
State Capitol, Room 2160
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0051
Tel: (916) 319-2051
Fax: (916) 319-2151
District Office:
1910 West Sunset Boulevard
Suite 810
Los Angeles, CA 90026-3350
Tel: (213) 483-5151
Fax: (213) 483-5166
Q: Is there a bill that you believe is important in the CA State legislature that isn't getting enough attention?
Carrillo: There are many bills before the legislature that are being considered that deserve a lot of attention, but perhaps it would be better to discuss specific issues that we should highlight. Issues of particular importance to our district are universal healthcare and a mechanism for its funding along with bail reform, both issues that disproportionately impact communities of color, like in AD 51.
School funding is another critical issue. Access to a quality education is a great equalizer and can create pathways for upward mobility. However, unequal access to education is real and pervasive, and marginalized communities are unfairly impacted. California was once a beacon of education innovation and since the passing of Prop. 13 in the late ’70s, we have dramatically decreased our investment in public education. California is now 46th in the nation in per pupil spending. This is not acceptable. We need to reform Prop. 13 to tax corporations and commercial properties their fair share and use those funds to invest in public education from K-12, community colleges, and in our California State University and University of California system. I’m looking forward to working with United Teachers Los Angeles and other education advocates to increase funding for public schools and invest in our students and teachers.
Q: How can constituents stay engaged in and learn more about the legislative process? Are there resources you recommend for folks to better understand how the state legislative process works?
Carrillo:As a former journalist, I would say that verified, responsible journalism is the ultimate service to constituents. Legitimate, validated information is power, especially news informing readers about legislation that may affect them. Supporting journalism — from zines like this to national publications — can be your entryway to the legislative process.
Signing up for our e-alerts and newsletters is another way to stay informed as well as checking our website frequently. In addition, throughout the year we will be holding coffee and conversation events around the district. Please stay tuned for the dates and locations. Visit our website www.assembly.ca.gov/Carrillo, and make sure to sign up for updates!
My staff is happy to help you understand where a specific bill is in the process, but for a general understanding I recommend visiting bit.ly/BillCycle. [1][2][3]
Q: One thing about being in a large and powerful state like California is that the state legislature has the chance to set legal precedent for the rest of the nation. What kinds of examples do you hope California sets for the rest of the country?
Carrillo: California has been and will continue to lead on humanitarian issues, including protecting immigrants. As the Trump administration continues to assault our communities, California is pushing back. Furthermore, California is certainly leading on the environmental front and is going to great lengths to ensure the steps we have taken to combat climate change and clean air are not rolled back. California is the laboratory of the nation and whatever the federal government is doing, we will lead the fight against the scourge of climate change and explore innovative alternative energy solutions. Senate Pro Tem Kevin De Leon’s landmark legislation, SB 100 is an excellent example of these efforts. It will put California on track to 100% carbon-free electricity by 2045. If we are to preserve our planet for future generations, we must lead by example through bold approaches like this one.
Q: As a formerly undocumented immigrant, and now an elected official, you have a unique perspective on immigration policy. What message would you like to give fellow policymakers as they work for legislative solutions, at the state and national levels?
Carrillo:I have the deepest sympathies for the duress and fear many Dreamers, DACA recipients, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, undocumented and mixed-status families currently face across our nation. I have been very honest about my own story as a formerly undocumented young person and unrecognized refugee because I believe in speaking truth to power. The United States is a country founded by immigrants with an egregious history of slavery and Native American abuses.
I believe that we need to work toward creating opportunity, equity and justice for everyone who calls California home and on the national level, we must work toward understanding the reason why people immigrate, our direct influence across the world, and how we are good stewards of Democracy. Many elected officials on both sides of the aisle say they believe “In God We Trust” — the God I know would not condone the separation of families, building walls and ignoring human rights abuses. The immigration discussion is far more encompassing than policy — we are discussing the morality of our nation and seeking to save the very soul of who we are as Americans.
Our country’s future will be far better than its past. Building that future for all of us, regardless of where you come from, what you look like, whom you choose to love or your legal status, is a future for which I will continue to fight. I hope that if you’re reading this, you’ll join me. This country belongs to all of us, not just a few.
Q: And, what message do you have for constituents who are concerned about immigration policy?
Carrillo: If you are concerned, know that there are many legislators and advocates across our state and on the federal level working toward real solutions to change our immigration policies.
If you are undocumented or know someone who is, it’s important that you know your rights.
Everyone living in the United States is afforded basic rights, including:
● The right to remain silent when an immigration officer asks you questions.
● You don’t have to open your door when an immigration officer does not have a warrant.
● You don’t have to answer or sign anything.
● Making sure the warrant has your name on it.
● The right to speak to a lawyer.
For a fact sheet on everyone’s protected rights, visit the National Immigration Law Center at bit.ly/NILCFactSheet.
In addition, during my short time in the Assembly, I have authored and the Assembly has adopted House Resolution 69 urging the President to rescind his misguided decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS), as well as Assembly Bill 1862 which would provide services to Salvadorans impacted by the decision. California is home to the largest Salvadoran population outside of El Salvador, and we will continue to fight for ALL immigrants.
Lastly, I will say, do not give up hope, and do not give into fear. You are loved and you are worthy of all of life’s gifts. If you are feeling depressed, scared or in solitude, know that you are not alone and there are many people who continue to fight and many more that are willing to help. For free and confidential support if you are feeling alone or thinking of harming yourself, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.