Professor Dowell Myers, director of the Population Dynamics Research Group at the USC School of Policy, Planning and Development, was an expert witness before the California Senate Select Committee on Immigration and the Economy on June 9.

The committee held its inaugural hearing in Sacramento on “California Immigrants: Demographics Behind the New Economy” regarding the role of immigrants in the state’s economy, the costs and benefits of immigrant populations and how California can help shape the discussion at the federal level on immigration reform.

Myers, who was joined by Hans Johnson, senior fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California, presented his research that demonstrates the dynamic relationship between California’s immigrants and the aging baby boomers and its implications on the workforce/tax revenue, housing and access to education.

Meyer’s work has been cited by legislators since his presentation last year on the findings from his book Immigrants and Boomers: Forging a New Social Contract for the Future of America.

The presentation was part of the California Latino Caucus Speaker’s Series.

“Professor Myers has become a trusted adviser and resource to the legislature on this issue and is a wonderful example of the university’s strategic objective to connect our research and expert faculty to current policy issues,” said Veronica Villalobos, director of state government relations at USC.