Lara earned his B.A. in journalism/Spanish/Chicano Studies from San Diego State University. He went on to be a master's candidate in leadership from the University of Southern California.
Dubbed by the Los Angeles Times as the "Point man in the push for immigrant rights," Ricardo Lara has been dedicated to uplifting immigrant communities and solidifying their basic human rights in the State Legislature.
- Authored SB 1210 (DREAM Loan Program), which created the Dream Loan Program for low-income, undocumented students attending the University of California and the California State University, who lack access to federal and private loans. This bill enabled undocumented to students to finish their studies and contribute to our state’s economy.
- Authored SB 4 (Health for All Kids Act), which enabled undocumented children to receive the proper healthcare they need.
- Authored SB 974, which provides MediCal for undocumented adults that cannot afford to pay for their own insurance.