“We join a chorus of voices around the country praising Attorney General Xavier Becerra’s confirmation today as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, a job with crucial importance during a pandemic that has disproportionately affected communities of color. A product of California schools, the son of immigrants, we have watched Becerra’s leadership up close as he rose in California from the State Legislature to Congress and to his position as the first Latino to serve as California Attorney General. Becerra is a known champion for students and their families, ensuring they have access to quality education while protecting their human and civil rights. He values people power and has fervently worked to protect the rights of educators and all workers to come together to negotiate proper learning and working conditions.  His strong commitment to protecting the rights of immigrants, women, and access to health care make him uniquely poised to carry out the mission of this department, preserve the Affordable Care Act and be a voice for equity and justice during this unprecedented pandemic.”

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The 310,000-member California Teachers Association is affiliated with the 3 million-member National Education Association.