CALIFORNIA ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Ted Lieu (D-Torrance), chair of the Asian and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, issued the following statement commemorating Filipino American History Month, which is recognized in the month of October:
“As Chair of the Asian and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, I invite all of you to celebrate Filipino American History Month and recognize the significant accomplishments this community has made in our great State.  From the first Filipinos who arrived in Morro Bay, California on Spanish galleons in 1587,  to those who assisted in establishing the California mission system, to Filipino farm workers that gave birth to heroes like Philip Vera Cruz and Larry Itliong who led the way in coalitions during the 1965 Delano Grape Strike, and community organizers who stood for affordable housing in their fight to protect the International Hotel in San Francisco during the 1960’s, Filipino Americans have a long standing history here in California.  As one of the fastest growing communities - reaching over a million members strong in California - I look forward to the continued contributions this community will make in the coming years.”

The API Legislative Caucus was established in 2001 with the mission of representing and advocating for the interests of the diverse Asian and Pacific Islander communities throughout California.   Additionally, the Caucus seeks to increase Asian Pacific Islander participation and representation in all levels of government.
In previous years, the API Legislative Caucus has continually advocated to protect the California Veterans Cash Benefit during the California State Budget process.  This benefit provides much needed assistance for elderly and disabled Filipino veterans of World War II. 

This past legislative session, Assemblymember Fiona Ma (D-San Francisco) served as principle co-author to Assembly Bill 3084 with Assemblymember Paul Cook (R -Yucca Valley).  The bill would have expressed the intent of the Legislature that instruction in the social sciences includes the roles of Filipinos in World War II.  The bill was vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger. 

In addition, Assemblymember Warren Furutani (D- Long Beach) pushed Assembly Joint Resolution 65, which recognizes the critical role that Filipinos have played in the social, economic, and political development of California.  The resolution also encourages federal, state, and local organizations to promote the preservation of Filipino history and culture.