2017 Legislative Session Update Today is day 36 of the 2017 legislative session. Nearly 2,000 bills and resolutions have been introduced. Legislators are busy this week holding public hearings on bills to meet two upcoming deadlines on February 17 and February 24 for bills to be approved by policy and fiscal committees. Visit the CAPAA website for a list of bills the Commission is tracking that may be of interest to Asian Pacific American communities. This week, legislators are holding public hearings on proposed legislation, including: SB 5683: Concerning health care for Pacific Islanders residing in Washington under a compact of free association. SB 5070: Concerning paraeducators. SB 5712: Developing [...]

Below is a list of Committee hearings identified by CAPAA that may be of interest to Asian Pacific American communities. For more information, visit www.leg.wa.gov. Monday, February 6, 2017 Bill Description Committee Time Location HB 1313 Improving and expanding applied learning opportunities in public schools. Education 1:30 PM House Hearing Rm A John L. O'Brien Bldg Olympia, WA HB 1600 Increasing the career and college readiness of public school students. Education 1:30 PM House Hearing Rm A John L. O'Brien Bldg Olympia, WA HB 1509 Concerning credit requirements for high school graduation. Education 1:30 PM House Hearing Rm A John L. O'Brien Bldg Olympia, WA HB 1557 Creating the safe [...]

Health Equity for Pacific Islanders On Wednesday, January 25, legislators will hold a public hearing on HB 1291, which improves health care access for Pacific Islanders from the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. Public Hearing Details Wednesday, January 25, 1:30 p.m. House Health Care & Wellness Committee John L. O'Brien Building Hearing Room A View CAPAA's legislative schedule. Next Public Board Meeting March 18, 2017 City of Lynnwood, Lynnwood City Hall View more details. 2017 Ethnic Legislative Reception The State Commissions on African American Affairs, Asian Pacific American Affairs, and Hispanic Affairs, as well as the Governor's Office of Indian [...]

Below is a list of Committee hearings identified by CAPAA that may be of interest to Asian Pacific American communities. For more information, visit www.leg.wa.gov. January 16, 2017 Bill Description Committee Time Location Work Session: Recreational Marijuana Legalization Commerce & Gaming 1:30 PM House Hearing Rm C John L. O'Brien Bldg. Olympia, WA 98504 Work Session: An Overview of McCleary v. Washington Education 1:30 PM House Hearing Rm A John L. O'Brien Bldg. Olympia, WA 98504 Work Session: Educational Opportunity Gaps in Washington's Public Education System Early Learning & K-12 Education 1:30 PM Senate Hearing Rm 1 J.A. Cherberg Bldg. Olympia, WA 98504 HB 1078 Concerning human trafficking, prostitution, and [...]

2017 Legislative Session Begins The 2017 legislative session began today. Lawmakers across the state convened in Olympia to begin work on passing a 2017-19 state budget and new laws. Pressing challenges include fully funding Washington's public schools, rebuilding the mental health system, and strengthening the safety net. During the next 105-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 [...]

Overview State senators and representatives from across the state convened in Olympia on January 11 for a 60-day legislative session. Lawmakers met in committees to consider legislation and hear public comments on issues such as civil rights, education, health & human services, and economic development. The Legislature adjourned on March 29, concluding a 20-day special session, after agreeing on a supplemental budget. 2016 Supplemental Budget The Legislature approved a $191 million net increase to the $38 billion 2015-2017 operating budget (view the 2015 session recap). The new investments address urgent needs and costs related to mental health, homeless services, teacher recruitment and retention and last summer’s wildfires. The supplemental budget has [...]

Legislative Session Adjourned on March 29 The Washington State Legislature adjourned late Tuesday night, March 29, concluding a 20-day special session after legislators completed the 2016 supplemental budget. The final supplemental budget plan puts more money into mental health hospitals, addresses youth homelessness, and makes investments to recruit and retain public school teachers. Community Report Back on the Legislative Session Interested in knowing how the budget and policies passed this session may impact you? Attend the 2016 Legislative Session Report Back event hosted by the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs and the Asian Pacific Islander Coalition on Thursday, April 7 at Asian Counseling and Referral Service to learn more. Participants will have the [...]

Join CAPAA to Learn about Tacoma Equity Initiatives Join the Commission tomorrow, March 19, at Tacoma Community House for a public board meeting. The public board meeting will take place from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, but attendees may arrive or depart at any time. Public comment begins at noon. View more details. Legislative Update for the Week of 3/21 The 30-day special session continues as legislators negotiate the 2016 supplemental budget. As the session comes to an end, the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs and the Asian Pacific Islander Coalition (APIC) will provide an overview of policy changes at a 2016 Legislative Report Back event at Asian Counseling [...]

CAPAA to Hear About Equity Initiatives in Tacoma on March 19 The Commission will be holding a public board meeting on March 19 at Tacoma Community House. Join CAPAA to learn about community programs and to hear from City of Tacoma Mayor Strickland about their Equity & Empowerment Initiative and the Lincoln District Revitalization Project. The public board meeting will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., but attendees may arrive or depart at any time. Members of the public will have an opportunity to provide public comment at noon. View more details. Pacific Islander Health Board Community Meeting The Pacific Islander Health Board is meeting on March 24 [...]

CAPAA Public Board Meeting on March 19 Join the Commission on March 19 for a public board meeting at Tacoma Community House to learn about issues and resources impacting Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. The public board meeting will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., but attendees may arrive or depart at any time. Members of the public will have an opportunity to provide public comment. View more details. Small Business Guide available in multiple languages The Governor's Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA) provides a guide for small business owners and advice for those interested in starting a business. Translations of the guide are available [...]