Ramos to chair new Native American committee

Assemblyman James T. Ramos, D-Highland, has been appointed to chair of the Select Committee of Native American Affairs.

The first Native American elected to the California legislature and the former chairman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Ramos was appointed by Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, D-Lakewood, according to a statement.

Ramos’ appointment marks the formation of the Native American Affairs Committee, which will address critical tribal issues, including cultural preservation, domestic violence, youth suicide, opioid abuse, missing Native American women, mental health, and education attainment.

“I am grateful for the background, experience, and dedication that Assemblyman Ramos brings to the Democratic Caucus,” Rendon said in the statement. “I admire his dedication to the Inland Empire and his efforts to advance the discussion on Native American cultural preservation.”