Governor Inslee signs COFA health care bill Governor Inslee signed a bill to expand health care coverage for Washingtonians from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, and the Federated States of Micronesia on March 22. The Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA) would like to acknowledge Governor Inslee and legislators for their commitment to improving the health and well-being of all Washingtonians. The Commission extends its appreciation to the COFA Alliance National Network, the Children’s Alliance, the Asian Pacific Islander Coalition, the Pacific Islander Health Board, and students, educators, and community health advocates from across the state for their support to pass this legislation. Governor [...]

              The Commission will be convening a public board meeting on March 17, 2018 at the Marshall Center in Vancouver from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. The Commission will review policy changes from the 2018 legislative session, hear updates from its committees, and connect with organizations about their work in the community. The meeting will also include time for public comment. Visit the Commission’s website to learn more about the Public Board Meeting. Legislative Session Week 7 Update This week, both the House and Senate released their 2018 supplemental budget proposals. House and Senate committees held public hearings and executive sessions on bills from the [...]

Legislative Session Update Pacific Islanders from across the state traveled to the state capital on Feb. 8 for the Children's Alliance's Have a Heart for Kids Day. The timing worked out great as they were able to view the State Senate pass Substitute Senate Bill 5683 by a vote of 46-2. The legislation, which moves to the House for consideration, would improve access to health care for Washingtonians from the Marshall Islands, Palau, and the Federated States of Micronesia. After the vote, Senator Saldaña, the bill's prime sponsor, and her colleagues visited with the community. In the afternoon, Gov. Inslee spoke at a rally on the steps of the Legislative [...]

Legislative Session Update This week on February 6, 2018, the legislative session will have the cutoff for legislation to pass out of fiscal committees from the house of origin. Legislators will transition and focus on considering legislation currently on the House and Senate floor calendars. The next legislative session cutoff will be on February 12, 2018, which is when legislation will need to pass out of their respective house of origin. 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 have moved onto the floor calendar of both respective chambers. For legislation [...]

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 [...]

Legislative Session Update This week, legislation that would create a premium assistance program for Washingtonians from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau was considered by lawmakers in Senate and House committees. Senate Bill 5683 was approved by all members of the Senate Ways & Means Committee and was sent to the Rules Committee for consideration. The Commission and members of the Marshallese community from Washington and Oregon testified in support of House Bill 1291 in the House Appropriations Committee, which later approved the legislation with amendments. Additionally, the Washington Voting Rights Act of 2018 was placed on third reading and is [...]

Legislative Session Update Governor Jay Inslee delivered the 2018 State of the State on January 9th and called on legislators to "forge a prosperous path for the next generation." Next week, the Legislature will honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On Monday afternoon, legislation that would create a premium assistance program for Washington residents who are citizens of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau is scheduled to be heard by lawmakers. Funding that would implement House Bill 1291 and Senate Bill 5683 was included in Gov. Inslee's 2018 supplemental budget proposal. Later in the week, legislators will hold public hearings on automatic voter registration, [...]

2018 Legislative Session Begins Lawmakers across the state convened in Olympia to consider passing a capital budget, supplemental budget, and new laws. Pressing challenges include fully funding Washington's public schools, passing the state's capital budget, and strengthening the safety net. During the next 60-days, the Commission will be sending periodic legislative updates about hearings, legislation, and budget priorities that may impact our communities. View a list of committee hearings identified by CAPAA that may be of interest to Asian Pacific American communities. 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 non-English speaking callers, the Hotline offers interpreter [...]

CAPAA seeking board applicants by June 1 The Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs is requesting applications for candidates interested in serving on our board. CAPAA has an advisory board consisting of twelve governor-appointed commissioners representing the state’s diverse Asian Pacific American communities. Commissioners serve a three-year term and attend five commission meetings per year. They build relationships in their community and work to find solutions by hosting community meetings, serving on committees, examining issues, and advising decision-makers. The Commission requests that applications are received by June 1 to be considered for potential openings on the board that may occur in June. To apply, please complete the online application on [...]

CAPAA board to convene March 18 CAPAA Board Meeting Saturday, March 18, 2017 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Lynnwood City Hall The Commission will hold a public board meeting on March 18, 2017 at Lynnwood City Hall. Attendees will have an opportunity to hear about issues impacting Asian Pacific American communities. There will also be time for members of the community to provide public comment and voice their concerns to the Commission. View more details. Snohomish County Economic Development Meeting Saturday, March 18, 2017 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Lynnwood City Hall The focus of the meeting will be to discuss ways to support and empower small businesses in Snohomish County. [...]