HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2024-4694

HR 4694

ByRepresentatives Thai, Ramos, Slatter, Bergquist, Ryu, Walen, Kloba, Santos, Gregerson, Paul, and Dent

WHEREAS, The United States census bureau estimates that 949,560 individuals of diverse Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander ethnic identities reside in Washington, the fastest-growing demographic population in the state, who among them speak more than 100 different languages and dialects; and

WHEREAS, The history of Asians, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders is inextricably tied to the rich history of Washington state, contributing since territorial times to the development of our heritage industries including forestry, fishing, and farming as well as to the leadership of our state in a variety of educational, economic, political, and social endeavors; and

WHEREAS, In 1972, Governor Daniel J. Evans created a State Asian American Advisory Council "to examine and define issues pertaining to the rights and needs of Asian Americans in contemporary America, and to make recommendations to the Governor and state agencies with respect to desirable changes in program and law," ultimately leading the 43rd Washington state legislature to establish the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA) as a stand-alone cabinet-level agency on February 26, 1974; and

WHEREAS, Pursuant to Chapter 43.117 RCW, CAPAA is charged with improving the lives of Asians, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in Washington state by ensuring their access to full and equal participation in the fields of government, business, education, and other areas, working in partnership with communities and state leaders to respond to and rectify institutional bias and discrimination; and by ushering forward long-term solutions for positive change; and

WHEREAS, With incidents of anti-Asian hate and xenophobia on the rise, the work of CAPAA is more urgent and relevant than ever before in protecting and preserving the rights of Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander people to access resources and to enjoy representation in Washington state government and society; and

WHEREAS, A testament to the dedication, resilience, and accomplishments of the Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities throughout Washington and to the many volunteer commissioners and agency staff since its founding, CAPAA will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its establishment in 2024 with a golden gala;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives encourage all Washington residents to recognize and celebrate the pioneering contributions of the Washington state Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs in elevating the strength of our diversity by advancing policies of equity and inclusion; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the Washington state Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs.