SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom says the state must do more to protect essential workers, many of whom are Latino, from the economic and health harms of the coronavirus.
Newsom on Friday said he'll work with the Legislature to expand protections against evictions and expand workers compensation and paid sick leave.
He enacted similar policies through executive order earlier this year but many expired or will soon.
Latinos make up 39% of California’s population but 55% of confirmed positive coronavirus cases, according to state data.
Newsom said the majority of farm workers, construction workers, cooks, food prep workers, truck drivers, cashiers and janitors are Latino.