Testimony Against the Elimination of the Commission on Asian Pacific Islander American Affairs
Prepared and delivered by Jan T. Liu, MHS
Policy Analyst, Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum
at a Hearing on Government Reorganization
at the University of California, Davis
September 27, 2004
Good afternoon. My name is Jan Liu, I am with the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum. The Health Forum has been working with community-based organizations throughout the state for over two decades to improve the health of all Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
I am also representing the Asian and Pacific Islanders’ California Action Network. APIsCAN is a network of over 50 organizations working statewide to promote health, social, economic, and political equity for the AAPI communities through a common policy agenda. I am here today on behalf of the all the organizations that fought for the creation of this Commission and all of the constituents that they represent, to ask that you reconsider the elimination of the Commission on Asian Pacific Islander American Affairs.
The AAPI population is one of the most diverse and fastest growing populations in California. Between 1990 and 2000, the AAPI population grew by 35% to 52%, and now make up one out every eight Californians. Furthermore, one-third of all AAPIs in the nation live in California.
While some AAPI populations have achieved considerable successes in their quality of life, many have not. For example, the 2000 Census reveals:
- 62% of Vietnamese are limited English proficient.
- The per capita income for Hmong is less than one-quarter of the per capita income of the general Californian population.
- Adult Laotians are two and a half times more likely to be without have a high school degree compared the general California population (58% vs. 23%)
- Only about 34% of Samoans own a home, compared to 57% of the general population.
What are the Costs Associated with the Commission?
NONE. The elimination of this Commission does not save the state any tax dollars as it is currently independently funded. In fact, the Commission provides a vital function to the state on a volunteer basis that would otherwise cost the state thousands of dollars.
Are there other entities that should perform the functions of the commission?
NO. The Commission on APIA Affairs was created by legislation to inform the Governor, state agencies and legislators on key issues affecting AAPIs. No other only body exists to do this.
Must this duty be performed by an Autonomous Body?
YES. While we fully support and encourage the Governor to establish an Office of Community Affairs, it will not be able to replace the duties of the Commission. Commissioners are community leaders that are appointed by both the Governor and the Legislature and are therefore able to provide impartial information.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the elimination of a no-cost Commission that arose out of community need and is supported by communities across the State sends the wrong message to AAPIs and other communities of color about the Governor commitment to representing all Californians.
Again, we thank you for this opportunity to provide testimony and urge you to reconsider your proposal to eliminate the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs.
