Sen. Steve Hobbs (D-Lake Stevens), Sen. Chris Marr (D-Spokane), Ellen Abellera of Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs, and Sen. Paull Shin (D-Edmonds) join Gov. Chris Gregoire at a welcome speech for the 2007 Asian Pacific American Legislative Day on Feb. 13.
Asian Americans, the second largest ethnic group in Washington, now hold more Senate seats than at any other time in state history. The three lawmakers reflect the growing Asian presence in the Senate. Shin is a Korean American; Marr and Hobbs are both Japanese Americans.
Members of the Asian Pacific American community met with state lawmakers to address concerns, including access to culturally sensitive medical care and mental health services, job training opportunities and increased translation services for non-English persons.ÜPhoto from Sandra Manwiller.
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