Message from the Executive Director
 Rosa Tock
On June 24, MCLA proudly hosted a town hall to bring our communities together—to reflect on the outcomes of the 2025 legislative session, spotlight community organizing efforts, and hear directly from advocates on pressing issues, including immigration and labor law. It was an evening filled with honest dialogue, shared knowledge, and collective hope for what’s ahead.
We were grateful to be joined by Representative María Isa Pérez-Vega and Representative Dave Pinto, who provided a candid overview of what emerged from this year’s divided legislative session. While funding for the Latino Museum remains pending, Representative Pérez-Vega highlighted key direct appropriations, and the progress made in addressing federal assistance gaps. Representative Pinto spoke about major wins in workforce development and labor protections—including the successful defense of Paid Family and Medical Leave—and increased funding for childcare to better support working families across the state.
The town hall also featured vital updates from the Department of Labor and Industry on new labor laws, and remarks from UnidosMN on the urgent need for a pro-immigrant legislative majority. Advocates from organizations like the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota shared essential services and resources available to our communities in these uncertain times. The evening offered an important space to ground ourselves in the current political landscape—and to prepare for the work ahead.
As we celebrated Independence Day, I found myself reflecting deeply on the power of community. The past few months have been difficult. Many of our loved ones continue to face fear and instability—but what MCLA saw on June 24 was something different: resilience, resolve, and an unwavering commitment to justice. The energy in that room reminds us that change is possible when we come together.
On July 4th, President Trump signed into law a colossal budget bill that Congress passed days before. The bill is big but it is not beautiful for ordinary Americans. Far from that. It is cruel and short sighted. In addition, it will add to the national debt and cost to the economy and the wellbeing of millions of families, children, and vulnerable adults and workers in every state. Congressional Republicans scaled back spending on Medicaid, food assistance for low-income people and clean energy programs. For an overview of the changes to the health care provisions, read here.
Despite these setbacks, I’m inspired—by our advocates, our legislators, our organizations, and especially by you. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for standing up. And thank you for continuing to believe in a Minnesota where every community is welcomed, supported, and protected.
MCLA remains steadfast in our mission to advocate for our community and uplift every voice we represent.
MCLA's 2025 Legislative Recap
Watch the video of MCLA's 2025 Legislative Recap
At the end of June, MCLA hosted a virtual conversation with special guests, including Representatives Maria Isa Perez-Vega, D-65B (Council's member) and Representative David Pinto, D-64B. Experts in different areas shared the main highlights and outcomes of an unprecedented legislative session with mixed results despite successfully balancing the state's budget.
If you were not able to attend, be informed and watch the video here.
MCLA's New Report
2025 Legislative Session Summary
As the dust settles from the latest legislative session, several impactful changes and investments are taking shape across Minnesota. In our new report, you'll find a summary of major pieces of legislation that passed and that will have an impact (both positive and negative) on Latine communities in the state.
Read it here. The Spanish version will be released soon.
Vacancy Open on MCLA's Board of Directors
Applications Due July 17, 2025
Apply to be a part of MCLA's Board of Directors. One vacancy is now open to fill an at-large position representing the whole state.
Commitment:
- 4 quarterly meetings/year
- $55 per diem for attending Board of Director's meetings
The Office of the Governor decides and makes the final appointment.
Prepare your resume and a letter of interest and apply with the Secretary of State's website by clicking here. You will have to create an account to apply.
First round of applications will be reviewed by July 17, 2025.
Job Opening at MCLA
Closing TODAY! Apply to be MCLA's Executive Director
The job posting for MCLA’s next Executive Director closes on July 9. We invite qualified, visionary candidates committed to advancing equity for Latino communities in Minnesota to apply. Finalist interviews are expected to take place this fall.
The Executive Director (Director) assists MCLA with its statutory duty to advise the legislature and the Governor on issues related to economic, social, legal, and political equality for the Latino community in the state. The Director serves as the primary administrator and executive of the Council. The Director implements Council decisions and advocates for public policies recommended by the Council. The Director carries out all duties described in Minnesota Statues 15.0145.
Under Minn. Statutes 15.0145, the executive director of the council is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Legislative Coordinating Commission (LCC).
Apply now! For more information and to apply, click here and type Job ID# 86453
Opens: June 5, 2025
Closes: July 9, 2025
Questions about the position? Contact Jennifer Otley at [email protected] or 651-201-2498.
Do you have an event or job openings you want to share with the community? Let us know! Email: [email protected]
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