The caucus has been in the news lately not only for its legislative victories but also because of controversy. Sen. Ronald Calderon (D-Montebello), vice chairman of the Latino caucus in 2011-12, has been indicted on charges of accepting nearly $100,000 in bribes for official favors.
Shortly after he was elected, state Assemblyman Rocky Chavez took what he said was a natural step and asked to join the California Latino Legislative Caucus. The Oceanside Republican said his request last year was at first met with silence.
“When I didn’t get a response, I asked what the deal was and they said that I wouldn’t be allowed in,” Chavez said. “They do not allow Republicans to be part of the group.”
That rejection has sparked debate in and out of the Legislature about the diversity of opinion in Latino politics and whether taxpayers should be supporting legislative caucuses that have a partisan agenda.
The discussion comes at a time when the 24-member Latino Legislative Caucus has become a major force in the Capitol, racking up a series of victories, including approval of new laws providing driver’s licenses and college scholarships for immigrants who are in the country illegally.
Sen. Joel Anderson (R-Alpine) has asked the state attorney general to investigate the group and its membership policies.
“The name Latino Caucus is intentionally misleading, because it implies equal access for all Latino legislators,” Anderson said. “Using taxpayer-sourced, public funds to deny them their voice is wrong.”
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