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LOS ANGELES – The UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute (UCLA LPPI) released two new data briefs today that spotlight several key indicators of well-being for Latinos in California and Florida. The two briefs lay out data related to health access, education and income, among other indicators. UCLA LPPI is releasing the data as part of a series of 15 state-focused data briefs to be published in the lead-up to the launch of UCLA LPPI’s U.S. Latino Data Hub (LDH) next year. 

“Clear and actionable data is critical to designing effective, evidence-based policy,” said Misael Galdámez, lead author of the data briefs. “These data briefs are the first step in identifying the systemic barriers that prevent Latinos’ full economic and civic inclusion and recognizing Latinos’ contributions to our country. Our Latino Data Hub will equip decision-makers and advocates with the insights needed to promote tailored solutions and improve the lives of Latinos across the country.” 

UCLA LPPI will launch the LDH in the spring of 2023 as a tool for policymakers, community-based organizations, philanthropists and the private sector to access digestible and actionable data. The goal of the Hub is to address the lack of visibility of Latinos in current aggregated data platforms and to become the go-to source for reliable data about Latinos across 10 issue areas: demography and population change; child wellbeing; digital technology; education; employment; health insurance; housing; income and poverty; transportation; and voting rights and political representation. Having this public and comprehensive resource will enable researchers and policymakers alike to track progress and setbacks towards achieving a more equitable America where Latinos can thrive.

“Latinos’ lack of visibility in our current data systems results in policy that leaves them out and poor outcomes for individuals and communities,” Rodrigo Dominguez-Villegas, UCLA LPPI director of research and director of the LDH said. “Building the Hub will provide a variety of stakeholders with highly targeted data that can lead researchers, advocates and policymakers not only to root causes but to solutions that work with communities rather than against them.” 

The briefs include data related to educational attainment, labor force participation, income levels, homeownership and health insurance coverage. 

Sonja Diaz, founding director of UCLA LPPI added: “As a youthful community with the largest workforce participation, Latinos are critical to the current and future prosperity of America. It is essential to understand the areas in which we are leaving Latinos behind, and where we’re succeeding in lifting Latinos up, so we can recreate models that work across all issue areas. By having a clear picture of where Latino communities stand, we have the chance to create more opportunity for all and write the inclusive American future we all deserve.” 

This work was made possible by the generous support of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Casey Family Programs.

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The UCLA Latino Policy & Politics Institute addresses the most critical domestic policy challenges facing Latinos and other communities of color through research, advocacy, mobilization, and leadership development to expand genuine opportunity for all Americans.