Senate boasts largest number of Asian American members in Washington’s history

OLYMPIA – Asian Americans, the second largest ethnic group in Washington, now hold more Senate seats than at any other time in state history.

Sen. Paull Shin, D-Edmonds, Sen. Chris Marr, D-Spokane and Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens, reflect the growing Asian presence in the Senate. Shin is a Korean-American; Marr and Hobbs are both Japanese-Americans.

“People say that our nation is a melting pot, but I choose to look at it as a tapestry. We are all different color threads. Each thread has individual strength, but when woven together, we are a strong and beautiful piece of art,” Shin said.

“My mother taught me to always be proud of my Japanese lineage, but when you're young, it's not always as easy as it sounds,” said  Hobbs. “When you look different, you're an easy target. I know bigotry when I see it, and I don't want to see it again.”

At this year’s Asian Pacific American Legislative Day, the three lawmakers, along with Ellen Abellera, executive director of the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs, stood behind Gov. Chris Gregoire as she outlined her top priorities. It was a crowning moment for event participants as well, confirming their emerging political muscle.

“Diversity is powerful when it’s visible,” Marr said. “History, particularly that of Japanese-Americans, teaches us that ignorance can do untold harm. The kind of turnout we saw today can do a lot to create opportunities for all people of color.”

Afterward, 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.

This legislative session, priorities of Senate Democrats include:

• implementing the education recommendations of Washington Learns;
• providing health-care coverage to all children by 2010;
• assisting military personnel in transition to civilian life and helping disabled veterans find employment; and
• making higher education accessible, affordable and accountable to low- and middle-income adults.

Back, left to right: Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens, Sen. Chris Marr, D-Spokane, Ellen Abellera, executive director of the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs and Sen. Paull Shin, D-Edmonds

Front: Gov. Chris Gregoire.

Return to Sen. Shin's home page

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