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By Amy Van and Jintana Lityouvong
IE Guest Columnists
Former director of the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA) Ellen Abellera said that one of the best things that happened during her term was receiving funding from the state Legislature for the 2008 studies on the achievement gaps of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) students in Washington’s public schools.
By Amy Van and Jintana Lityouvong
IE Guest Columnists
David Della was a teenager when he began working summers in Alaska at a fishing cannery. The canneries were a livelihood for many Filipino American families at the time, as well as other Asian American families. For Della, it was not only a summer job, but became the place where Della developed his passion for social justice.
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.
Legislation
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 Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs issued the following press release about its work to collect disaggregated data on the Healthy Youth Survey.
OLYMPIA, WA—The Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA) and the Department of Health worked together to improve the 2016 Healthy Youth Survey to better reflect Washington’s fast-growing Asian American student population. The 2016 survey is the first to collect disaggregated data for seven Asian subgroups.
Legislators began the 105-day regular session in January facing a $2.45 billion revenue shortfall, which included a state Supreme Court order to fund basic education. An additional $2 billion would have been needed to fund voter approved Initiative 1351 to lower class sizes, however, the initiative was suspended for four years.
In dedication to advancing the interests of Asian/Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA-NH/PI) communities in Washington State, the Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA) is proud to present our 2025 policy agenda. This agenda reflects our commitment to addressing crucial issues within AA-NH/PI communities, promoting equitable economic development, safeguarding civil rights and immigration, enhancing education, and ensuring access to quality health and human services. Farther down, you can see bills that we are tracking.
Promoting A-NH/PI Entrepreneurship
Advocating for initiatives that support A-NH/PI-owned businesses.
Fostering economic growth and sustainability within A-NH/PI communities.
Advancing Civil Rights Protections
Working to strengthen legal protections against discrimination for A-NH/PI individuals.
Advocating for just and humane immigration policies that consider the unique needs of A-NH/PI immigrants.
Enhancing Educational Opportunities
Addressing disparities in K-12 education, ensuring equitable access to quality resources.
Advocating for policies that support A-NH/PI students in colleges and universities, including scholarships and mentorship programs.
Improving Healthcare Access:
Advocating for culturally sensitive health services tailored to A-NH/PI communities.
Addressing health disparities and ensuring mental health services meet the unique needs of the A-NH/PI population.
HB 1262: Updating the governor's interagency coordinating council on health disparities.
HB 1217: Improving housing stability for tenants subject to the residential landlord-tenant act and the manufactured/mobile home landlord-tenant act by limiting rent and fee increases, requiring notice of rent and fee increases, limiting fees and deposits, establishing a landlord resource center and associated services, authorizing tenant lease termination, creating parity between lease types, and providing for attorney general enforcement.
SB 5101: Expanding access to leave and safety accommodations to include workers who are victims of hate crimes or bias incidents.
SB 5574: Providing instruction on Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander history in public schools.
HB 1052: Concerning people who have been targeted or affected by hate crimes and bias incidents.
HB 1491: Promoting transit-oriented housing development.
HB 1404: Increasing student access to free meals served at public schools.