CALIFORNIA ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS

Sacramento, CA – The Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American (APIA) Affairs has released its 2004 Annual Report "Building Our Community: Recommendations for Supporting Asian Pacific Islander Americans in California." The report provides an overview of the demographic characteristics of the state's diverse 4.35 million APIA residents, followed by in-depth analyses of key issues that are important to the community, including language access, hate crimes, and the resettlement of new Hmong refugees from Thailand.

"We are very proud of our first report to the Governor and Legislature," stated Dr. Norman Hui, Chair of the Commission. "It is truly a reflection of the hard work of the many individuals who have come together to advocate for this Commission."

"The release of this report is significant and timely," added Assemblymember Judy Chu, Chair of the Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus. "As my colleagues and I begin to consider new policy proposals for the upcoming legislative session, the recommendations put forth by the Commission will help us to address the social and economic disparities still faced by APIAs."

APIAs are the state's fastest growing major ethnic group and are comprised of many ethnic sub-categories that range from recent immigrants to those that have been here for generations. As a result, the needs of APIAs are both unique and complex. To help policymakers understand the needs of the community, the Commission on APIA Affairs was established in 2002 by legislation carried by the Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus.

The Commission consists of 13 appointed members and is charged with advising the Governor, the Legislature, state agencies, departments, and commissions on issues relating to the social and economic development, rights and interests of APIA communities.

To obtain a copy of the Commission's annual report, please call (916) 319-3594. The report may also be downloaded here.