Legislative Session Update
On January 23rd, the Asian Pacific Islander Coalitions (APIC) of Washington convened at the state capitol during the Asian Pacific American (APA) Legislative Day. A leadership delegation presented on key legislation impacting the Asian Pacific American communities to the Governor, Speaker of the House, and legislators. Legislation presented concerned education, environmental justice, immigrant and refugee support, social and health services, and civil rights and justice.
Additionally, legislation that would create a premium assistance program for Washingtonians from the Republic of Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau has progressed in both the House and Senate and moved to the Rules Committee of both respective chambers. Senate Bill 6002, Washington Voting Rights Act of 2018 has moved to the House Committee on State Government, Elections & Information Technology with a schedule public hearing.
Next week, legislators will continue holding committee public hearings and executive sessions. First cutoff of the session for committee hearings is on Friday, February 2, 2018.
Learn more about next week’s legislative schedule.
Bill Tracking
The Commission is tracking legislation that may be of interest to Asian and Pacific Islander communities that pertain to civil rights & justice, economic development, education, and health and human services. The Commission will periodically update its bill tracking list with the status of the bills.
Members of the Legislature welcome your feedback and messages. You can leave a message by contacting the Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000. For limited English proficient callers, the Hotline offers interpreter services for many languages. Visit our webpage for additional ways to access the Legislature.
Asian Pacific Islander Coalition (APIC) – Asian Pacific American Legislative Day
Governor’s office recruiting for Ruth Woo Fellowship
The office of Gov. Jay Inslee, in partnership with the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA), is recruiting individuals with a commitment to civil rights and equality for the Ruth Woo Fellowship.
The fellowship is named after Ruth Woo, a civil rights leader who fought for social justice and equality for all people. Her early involvement in politics included working for Gov. Dan Evans during the Asian American civil rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Over many decades, Ruth mentored would-be chiefs of staff, county executives, state Supreme Court justices, and governors. Ruth passed away in Seattle on July 13, 2016 at the age of 89.
The Ruth Woo Fellow will be based in the Governor’s office in Olympia and gain a hands-on learning experience in state government. In addition, the Ruth Woo Fellow will have an opportunity to make important connections with community leaders and elected and public officials connected to Ruth Woo and to learn more about her life and work.
The fellowship, which is part of the Governor’s Leadership Academy, seeks currently enrolled college and graduate students who are interested in public service and understand the importance of achieving social justice and equality for all Washingtonians. The Ruth Woo Fellow will begin the 10-week program in June and will receive compensation for their 28 hours/week internship.
Information about the program and application process is available on CAPAA’s website.
Upcoming Community Events & Opportunities
- Asia Pacific Cultural Center’s 20th Annual New Year Celebration is on Feb. 10, 2018.
View more information here. - International Community Health Services’ Lunar New Year 5K Run/Walk is on Feb. 25,2018.
View more information here. - The Asian Counseling and Referral Service has announced the search for applicants for the Executive Director position.
View more information here. - Looking for employment opportunities?
View our Job Post for February.
