CALIFORNIA ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS

"I am very disappointed the Governor feels the 4.2 million APIA residents of this State are not worthy of having their voices heard." reacted Assemblymember Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park), Chair of the API Caucus. "The creation of this citizens' commission was a historic milestone for our community. The Governor's proposal to eliminate it only a year after its creation sends a clear message that our community's needs and concerns are not a priority for his administration."

"This commission is privately funded and is not a fiscal burden to the State and taxpayers," said Chu. "There is simply no value gained for the State to eliminate it."

The Commission on APIA Affairs 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 API communities. In its first year of operation, the Commission met four times, held an informational hearing on the resettlement of Hmong refugees from Thailand to California, and issued its first annual report to the Governor and Legislature this past December.

APIs are the fastest growing major ethnic group in California, representing 4.2 million residents and over 13% of California's population. The Commission on APIA Affairs was established by legislation (Assembly Bill 116) authored by Assemblymember George Nakano and co-authored by members of the API Legislative Caucus. The Commission on APIA Affairs consists of 13 members appointed by the Governor and the Legislature.