LANSING – Several legislators gathered today for the first meeting of the recently formed Asian Pacific American (APA) Legislative Caucus. The bicameral, bipartisan group will be comprised of members of the Michigan Legislature who identify as Asian Pacific American and members who represent districts with large concentrations of Asian Pacific American residents.
“I am thrilled to be a part of the new Asian Pacific American Legislative Caucus,” said Sen. Hoon-Yung Hopgood (D-Taylor). “Asian Pacific Americans comprise the fastest growing population in Michigan, and legislators need to work together on the issues affecting the entire community. I am confident that my fellow caucus members and I will be able to do just that.”
The caucus will work to advance policies and initiatives to provide for the full participation of Asian Pacific Americans in Michigan and to address the needs and concerns of the Asian American community.
“I am excited about the creation of the Asian Pacific American Legislative Caucus,” said Rep. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit). “With the incredible population growth of the Asian Pacific American community in Michigan as well as the many social and economic contributions the community has made in our state, now is a great time for lawmakers to come together and advance initiatives to address the needs of the Asian Pacific American community. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate on both sides of the aisle as the caucus moves forward.”
As part of its mission, the caucus will work to educate other members of the Legislature about the contributions and concerns of the Asian Pacific American community in Michigan.
“I’m very excited about the formation of this bicameral, bipartisan caucus,” said House Democratic Floor Leader Sam Singh (D-East Lansing). “As the Asian American community continues to grow in Michigan, it’s important for diverse voices to be represented in the Legislature. I look forward to seeing positive actions coming from this caucus over the upcoming session.”
The caucus will work in partnership with the coalition of Asian Pacific American organizations in Michigan to develop and accomplish its goals.
In addition to Senator Hopgood, Representative Chang, and Representative Singh, other members of the Caucus include Senator Mike Kowall (R- White Lake), Senator Patrick Colbeck (R- Canton), Senator Marty Knollenberg (R-Troy), Senator Rebekah Warren (D- Ann Arbor), Representative Martin Howrylak (R-Troy), Representative Christine Greig (D-Farmington), Representative Jeff Irwin (D- Ann Arbor), Representative Kristy Pagan (D- Canton) and Representative Adam Zemke (D- Ann Arbor).
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