Padilla Passes Senate Resolution Honoring the Life of Gloria Molina
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, the Senate passed a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Dianne Feinstein (both D-Calif.) honoring the life, achievements, and legacy of Gloria Molina. A companion resolution was also introduced in the House by Representatives Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.-38), Tony Cárdenas (D-Calif.-29), and Judy Chu (D-Calif.-28).
“Gloria Molina entered political office during a time when few women or Latinos held public office and quickly became a role model for countless women, Latinos, and young people,” said Senator Alex Padilla. “Gloria dedicated her life to public service as an unrelenting champion for disadvantaged communities in the halls of power at the local, state, and federal levels. Each time we speak out against the status quo and demand better from our government and our political leaders, we take a page from Gloria’s playbook. I’m proud that this resolution to honor her barrier breaking legacy, unparalleled leadership, and commitment to improving the lives of all Californians has passed.”
“As a young Latina growing up in California, I drew inspiration from women who looked like me and came from similar backgrounds – especially when I was first getting involved in politics. Gloria Molina was one of those women and one of the strongest role models I could have asked for,” said Representative Linda Sánchez. “Just like me, Gloria Molina was the daughter of immigrant parents from Mexico who came to this country to create a better life for their children. In families like ours, siblings are close, family is everything, and you’re raised to know that the American Dream is within reach if you are willing to work hard. That is exactly what Gloria Molina did. She helped her nine siblings strive for that dream, too, and encouraged countless other young Latinas to follow her path and shatter their own glass ceilings. She dedicated her life to public service and gave a voice to Latinas and Latinos throughout the Los Angeles area. It is my honor to introduce this resolution to honor Gloria Molina’s life, achievements, and legacy.”
“Gloria Molina was a trailblazer for Latinas in Los Angeles. She devoted her life to improving and protecting her community,” said Representative Tony Cárdenas. “Gloria has been an inspiration to me and generations of Latino politicians. I will continue her fight for our community and carry her legacy in my work.”
“Gloria Molina was a remarkable trailblazer who broke barriers by becoming the first Latina elected to the California Assembly, the first Latina on the Los Angeles City Council, and the first woman to be elected to the LA County Board of Supervisors,” said Representative Judy Chu. “Throughout her career she worked incredibly hard to support her constituents on an array of issues and I was honored to have worked with her to increase access to parks and green spaces. Gloria was a fierce advocate of bringing more resources and protections to the San Gabriel Mountains and Rivers and because of her unwavering support for environmental justice, more Angelenos, especially communities of color, are able to enjoy the beauty, science, history, and recreational opportunities of the outdoors.”
On May 23, 2023, Gloria Molina passed away after a three-year battle with cancer. Molina had a historic thirty-two-year political career, where she inspired generations of women and Latinos to seek public office. She was the first Latina Assembly Member in California, the first Latina to serve on the Los Angeles City Council, and the first Latina to serve on the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors.
The resolution honors the life, achievements, and legacy of Gloria Molina, and extends sympathies to her friends and loved ones.
The text of the resolution can be read here.
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