Pennsylvania benefits from growing Latino population
Lawmakers listen as experts detail obstacles, challenges
Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz September 22, 2026 | 12:43 PM
EASTON, Sept. 22 – Pennsylvania’s growing Latino population is making important contributions to the commonwealth’s growing economy and workforce, while communities across the state continue working to address challenges facing Latino families and children.
The Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus and House Majority Policy Committee today co-hosted a data-driven hearing on the state of the Latino community of Pennsylvania at the Pennsylvania Latino Convention in Easton.
“We are here to listen and learn what is working and what isn’t working, but more importantly, we are here to better understand what state lawmakers can do about it,” said Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, who represents portions of Berks County and serves as the chairwoman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus. “The contributions of the Latino population to Pennsylvania are undeniable, but listening without action is just a conversation. We traveled here to learn more ideas and solutions, because our desire is to act.”
Experts detailed how Pennsylvania has welcomed Latinos into its workforce, a huge benefit in growing the state’s economy, but many times the children of Latino workers are struggling in the commonwealth’s education system.
“We heard it multiple times today: Pennsylvania has reaped incredible benefits from the Latino community, but we must do a better job serving our community and residents,” said Rep. Nikki Rivera, who represents portions of Lancaster County. “We are fighting for families like those we heard from today.”
Among the recommendations discussed during the hearing was the need to hire more bilingual teachers, bilingual teaching staff and bilingual school psychologists to better serve the state’s increasingly diverse schools.
“Pennsylvania’s Latino community is helping power our economy, strengthen our workforce and build stronger communities,” said Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, who serves as the House Majority Policy Committee chairman and represents portions of Erie County. “Our responsibility is to make sure every Latino family has a fair shot to succeed and the opportunity to thrive.”
Home ownership and income parity remain issues in the Latino community. Testifiers highlighted the growth of Pennsylvania’s youngest demographic, and its impressive number of entrepreneurs. However, the Latino population has the lowest median household income of any ethnic or racial group. Wages aren’t keeping pace with rising costs, squeezing workers and working families as communities are seeing an increase in food insecurity.
Consequently, the Latino population’s home ownership rate is below the state average, compounded by inequal access to credit for Latinos.
The event featured testimony from Chairman of the Pennsylvania Latino Convention Norman Bristol Colon (Lancaster); President of Pennsylvania Association of Hispanic School Administrators Dr. Evelyn Nunez; Chief of Personnel and External Relations, CHP Schools Yemele Ayala; Reading School Board member Shaykayarira DelRio- González; Divisional Social Services Director, the Salvation Army Heather LaRocca; Executive Director of Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley Raymond Santiago; COO of APM Philadelphia Manuel Delgado; Legal Services Coordinator at Casa San Jose (Pittsburgh) Jorge Palmas; CEO Capeles Agency Angela Capeles; and founder/president La Promesa Foundation Jesus Torres.
Information about the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus can be found at pahouse.com/PLLC.
Information about this hearing and other House Majority Policy Committee hearings can be found at pahouse.com/policy. Photos to be used for publication can be found on the day of the hearing at Facebook.com/PADemPolicy.