New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar announced this week that her bill to establish the state’s first Asian American and Pacific Islander Commission has been signed into law.
The state’s Asian population has grown 40 percent in just a decade. It became the 13th state in the nation to establish such a commission.
“I am proud to have established a historic Commission that will bring Asian American New Yorkers across our State to the table of government,” said Rajkumar in a statement sent to AsAmNews. “I introduced this historic legislation to meet this critical moment in time: The community faces unique challenges such as a dramatic spike in hate crimes, language access issues, and access to state government services. This Commission will empower Asian American New Yorkers for generations to come.”
According to the American Bazaar, New York’s Secretary of State will chair the Commission. Its 13 members will be appointed by the Governor, State Senate, and State Assembly and will focus on economic stability, health, safety and education.
Rajkumar sponsored the bill with State Sen Jeremy Cooney and amassed 41 co-sponsors.
In addition to the state Asian commissions, the White House has its own federal version.
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