Punishing Poverty: Trends in CalWORKs Sanctions on California Families

Meet the author of this report:
Deborah Aguirre is a first-generation Salvadoran American public policy student at Claremont McKenna College, driven by a passion for public service and economic equity. Her work focuses on dismantling barriers for underrepresented communities and low-income families by researching and strengthening the critical government programs and safety nets that sustain them. Specializing in welfare policy, Deborah seeks to bridge the gap between data and community-centered impact. Her dedication stems from a core conviction: policy is most powerful when it uplifts and protects society’s most vulnerable. Throughout her academic and professional journey, she continues to advocate for systemic change, aiming to build a more equitable future where every family has the resources to thrive.
Have questions? Send them directly to: deborahnaguirre@gmail.com