Congresswoman Lee Celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Congresswoman Lee Celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Lee released the following statement marking Asian Pacific American Heritage Month:
“I’m happy to join communities across the country celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The contributions of Asian Pacific Americans are an integral part of our nation’s history and a testament to hard work and perseverance. In California’s 13th Congressional District and across the nation, the achievements of Asian Pacific Americans are front and center: by serving in elected office, advocating for equality and justice, and creating jobs through business development, they are contributing to the vibrancy of our community and economy. In 2012, Asian-owned businesses in California alone employed nearly a million people and accounted for $181.3 billion in sales and receipts.”
“While we celebrate these accomplishments, we must also remember that there is more work to be done to ensure everyone can share in the American Dream. Reforming our broken immigration system, raising the minimum wage, and protecting the safety net for families living on the edge are critical steps in this effort. And as the co-chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus’ Health Care Task Force, I am working with my colleagues to end disparities in health care access, treatment and outcomes.”
“I will continue to fight to help all Americans, including the Asian Pacific American communities that work hard every day to strengthen this great nation. Happy Asian Pacific American Heritage Month!”
Watch Congresswoman Lee’s video celebrating the start of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month below:
###
Follow Barbara Lee on Facebook and Twitter at @RepBarbaraLee. To learn more, visit lee.house.gov.
Congresswoman Barbara Lee is a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus’s (CAPAC) Executive Committee and the Co-Chair of the Caucus’ Health Care Task Force. She is also a former Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) and currently serves as CPC Whip and Chair of the Task Force on Global Peace and Security.