Texas AAPI Advocacy Collective Rally to Protect Freedoms & Embrace Communities’ Full Diversity
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2023
AUSTIN, Texas - On the heels of unprecedented community rallies and public testimony calling on state politicians to reject hate and division and fund the shared resources AAPI Texans need to thrive, the Texas AAPI Advocacy Collective (TAAC) released its first-ever policy priorities today for state legislators in the 88th session. From Dallas and Sugar Land to the Gulf Coast and the Panhandle, AAPI Texans are making clear that whether people moved here recently or many years ago, they all deserve the freedom to give their families a better life.
In 2022, TAAC members, including Asian Texans for Justice (ATJ), Indian American Impact Project, OCA-Greater Houston (OCA), South Asian American Education Fund (SAAVETXEF), and Woori Juntos, united with a clear vision for Texas that embraces the communities’ full diversity, including Pacific Islander, Southeast Asian, South Asian, West Asian, Central Asian, and East Asian cultures. With more than 1.9 million AAPIs living in Texas, TAAC members have convened in Austin this week to discuss priorities with legislators, hold cultural events and affirm solidarity with Black, Hispanic and other communities of color. TAAC’s statewide advocacy comes at a critical time, as some politicians are using bills like SB 147, SB 711 and SB 552 to divide communities based on where they were born and distract from truly-needed solutions.
At a press conference on Thursday, TAAC released its policy priorities for the 88th State Legislative Session:
Freedom to Get Care In-Language: TAAC is calling for increased access to in-language care that includes translated documents and resources within the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, creation of an effective Language Access Plan, disaggregation of data on AAPI students to identify gaps and enact solutions, and language support in voting to ensure equal access to civic participation.
Freedom to Learn: TAAC is calling for more equitable funding for schools, including investments into mental health services, and encouraging the advancement of Asian American history, cultures and literature, and investment in the well-being of all youth.
Freedom to Vote: TAAC is urging the 88th Legislature to reform voting laws to eliminate burdensome, inaccessible voting restrictions and to support voting accessibility for AAPI Texans.
Freedom to Thrive: TAAC condemns all proposed legislation that discriminates and unjustly targets AAPIs, including anti-immigrant land laws, such as Senate Bill 147, and calls for an end to violence and injustices against AAPI communities.
“Texas lawmakers have the opportunity to propose and pass policies that will have meaningful impacts on Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) across Texas. Our collective effort clearly signals that AAPI Texans won't wait quietly on the sidelines - we are asking for change now.” Lily Trieu (She/Her/Hers), Interim Executive Director, Asian Texans for Justice
"The Indian American Impact Project is proud to join TAAC in advocating for policies that uplift AAPI Texans and oppose legislation that seeks to divide our communities. As we mark 100 years since the Thind decision, which denied citizenship to South Asians, we reaffirm our commitment to fighting for the rights and dignity of all AAPIs in Texas. We urge state legislators to prioritize our policy priorities and join us in building a more equitable and inclusive Texas for all." Rish Oberoi (He/Him), Texas State Director, Indian American Impact Project
“The 88th Texas Legislature is not different from any other past legislative session and that's why so many AAPI Texans have come to the Capitol today from various parts of the state to make their voices heard and to protect their freedoms! TAAC was formed as a united effort because we must mobilize to defend our freedoms from the atrocious bills this Legislature wants to pass.” Debbie Chen (She/Her/Hers), Programs Director, OCA-Greater Houston
“SAAVETX EF proudly stands with our AAPI partners who have been working tirelessly to measure the pulse of Texas AAPI voters. As the fastest-growing minority population in Texas, we no longer wish to live in the shadows of democracy. Today, we stand united to urge Texas lawmakers to shape our state into a world-class example of inclusivity and diversity.” Chanda Parbhoo ( She/Her/Hers), Executive Director/Founder SAAVETX Education Fund
"As the 88th Texas Legislature Session convenes, TAAC is committed to advocating for people of Asian descent and additional marginalized identities in Texas. We call on our Texas lawmakers to take this opportunity to propose and pass policies that will embolden all AAPIs in Texas." Hyunja Norman (She/Her/Hers), Executive Director, Woori Juntos
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Asian Texans for Justice connects Asian Texans of all identities to meaningful civic action to build personal and political power for future generations.
Indian American Impact Project - to build power for the Indian American and South Asian community and enact progressive change by activating, engaging, and electing Indian Americans and South Asians across the United States, and working with our allies to deliver policies that lift up all communities.
OCA-Greater Houston is a volunteer driven organization of community advocates that strives to meet the current and evolving needs of a diverse population through a comprehensive continuum of programs targeting different life stages of AAPIs with a focus on developing advocacy, leadership, and civic engagement participation of AAPIs.
South Asian American Voter Empowerment of Texas Education Fund is a statewide grassroots-based organization dedicated to amplifying the voices of our diverse South Asian American community to the halls of governance. Their mission is to uplift and build power for South Asians voices through education, engagement and empowerment.
Woori Juntos is a grassroots-based organization created to build progressive power and promote the full participation of Asians, im/migrants, and all Texans within the justice movement.
