CALIFORNIA ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS

"We are glad the Governor has recognized the importance of these programs for vulnerable immigrants," said Assemblymember Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park), Chair of the API Caucus, "but we still have more work to do to help him understand the need to honor the commitment to our aging veterans."

Both the Assembly and Senate's budget panels voted to reject the elimination of the program on a bi-partisan basis after hearing testimony from over a hundred Filipino WWII veterans and community advocates at recent hearings.

In 2000, the State Legislature enacted AB 1978 (Cedillo), which established the CVCB program to allow aging Filipino veterans to continue their ability to collect State Supplemental Program (SSP)-equivalent benefits (approximately $225 per month) even as they choose to relocate to the Philippines. Today, the approximately 1700 surviving veterans eligible for the CVCB program average about 75 years old, and many are frail. The CVCB program has permitted the veterans to avoid the desperation of cramped and isolated living conditions at poverty levels in California so that they can return to the Philippines to live with their families and not risk losing the SSP benefits they need to survive.

"We will urge Governor Schwarzenegger to reconsider the cut and to restore funding to this program." Senator Gil Cedillo (D-Los Angeles) stated, "It is a missed opportunity for the state to truly honor and reward those who are long on heroic sacrifice and bravery, but unfortunately short on influence and lobbying capability."

The API Caucus' other budget priority is higher education outreach and academic preparation programs.