June 20, 2013

Posts Comments

You are here: Home / Archives for States

Our Fellow to Teddy Kỳ-Nam Miller to Dr. Ami Bera’s Campaign

June 16, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Editor’s Note: Note our other Fellow Maya Ono’s posts as the AAA-Fund sponsored fellow to Nate Shinagawa’s campaign.

Teddy Kỳ-Nam Miller with Dr. Ami Bera

Our AAA-Fund Mike Honda Fellow, Teddy Kỳ-Nam Miller, directed the Election Protection team for our Endorsed Candidate Ami Bera. Bera ran in a rematch in Fall 2012 against incumbent Congressman Dan Lungren. Dr. Bera’s district has one of the fastest growing Asian and Hispanic populations in California. AAA-Fund Fellowship enabled Teddy to recruit, train, and deploy a 40-member Election Protection Team that successfully fended off Tea Party challengers at the polls as well as during the extended voter tabulation process. On election night, Dr. Bera’s slim lead of just under 200 votes was a direct result of AAA-Fund’s crucial support in keeping polls accessible for communities of Vietnamese, Hmong, Sikh, Hispanic, Filipino, and dozens of other minority groups. Teddy will attend this Tuesday’s fundraiser to help honor Ami and all our groundbreaking APA leaders. Join Teddy in supporting AAA-Fund’s effort to fund more Mike Honda fellows for the future.

Filed Under: 2011+2012 Campaigns, AAA Fund, California, The Editors

June 18, DC: Mayor’s AAPI Teacher Appreciation Reception

June 14, 2013 By Leave a Comment

The below is from our friends at the DC Mayor’s Office on Asian & Pacific Islander Affairs.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Teacher Appreciation Reception

I invite you to the Asian American and Pacific Islander Teacher Appreciation Reception scheduled for Tuesday June 18, 2013 from 6:30pm – 8:00pm at 700 6th Street, NW Rooftop. This is a part of our “UNSUNG HEROES” series which was initiated last year.

Last year, we have held a reception to honor and recognize AAPI police officers and fire fighters for their contributions and also to encourage AAPI youth to consider law enforcement career opportunities. The purpose of this year’s event is also to celebrate the contributions and honor the outstanding work of AAPI teachers in the District of Columbia.

We hope you can join us to meet our AAPI teachers and recognize the extraordinary efforts they make every day on behalf of their students! We want to help promote the diversity of the teachers in DCPS and highlight the contributions AAPI teachers make in the community. This is also an opportunity to showcase a non-traditional career path in the AAPI community.

To register, contact Neel Saxena directly at neel.saxena7#064;dc.gov. Details at http://aapiteacher.eventbrite.com/. Thank you!

Filed Under: Education, States, The Editors

AAA-Fund Endorses Aneesh Chopra for VA Lt. Gov.

June 10, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Editor’s Note: Aneesh lost 54-45. Aneesh looks forward to working with Sen. Northram in November.

AAAF logo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Gautam Dutta (202) 236-2048

AAA-Fund Endorses Aneesh Chopra for Lieutenant Governor

Asian Pacific American PAC Touts Unprecedented Opportunity to Elect First Asian American to Statewide Office in Virginia History

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Asian American Action Fund today endorsed Aneesh Chopra for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia. If elected, Chopra would be the first Asian American elected statewide in Virginia.

AAA-Fund Executive Director Gautam Dutta said, “Virginia has become a battleground state due to an influx of minority communities now making their home there. Aneesh’s background as the secretary of technology to Governor Tim Kaine and as the nation’s first Chief Technology Officer under President Obama makes him an ideal candidate to strengthen Virginia’s middle class through his emphasis on innovation, technology and education. AAA-Fund is pleased to lend our strong support to his historic candidacy.”

 

AAA-Fund is a Democratic PAC with local chapters across the country devoted to strengthening the participation of Asian Pacific Americans in the political process.

 

#####

 

The AAA-Fund is a Democratic political action committee whose goal is to increase the voice of Asian Pacific Americans (APA) on every level of local, state and federal government in America. To achieve this goal, we address the chronic under-representation of APAs as campaign volunteers, campaign contributors, and candidates for political office. The AAA-Fund has endorsed candidates across the country. For more information, go to AAA-fund.org and read our award-winning blog at AAA-fund.com.

Filed Under: 2013+2014 Campaigns, AAA Fund, Grassroots Activism, Running for Office, The Editors, Virginia

May 31, Rosslyn, VA: Happy Hour for Aneesh Chopra

May 27, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Editor’s Note: The Commonwealth of Virginia holds its Democratic Primary on June 11. The below is from our friends at Aneesh Chopra’s campaign for Lieutenant Governor.

Aneesh Chopra for Virginia

Please Join
Aneesh Chopra
for a Happy Hour for Virginia’s Future

Friday, May 31, 2013
5:30 to 7:30 PM

Continental Modern Pool Lounge
1911 N Fort Myer Dr, Arlington, VA 22209
In Rosslyn close to the Metro and the Key Bridge

All are welcome — $10 or $20 contribution optional

Event Info: teamchopra.org/events/may/31

RSVP to Peter Appel, AppelPeterH@gmail.com

Learn more about Aneesh: www.chopraforva.com

Aneesh Chopra was the first U.S. Chief Technology Officer and fourth Secretary of Technology for the Commonwealth of Virginia. He is running to make the Commonwealth better, faster, and fairer for every Virginian. Aneesh’s election will send a strong signal in today’s political climate that leaders focused on delivering a more open, innovative government can make a difference over those that emphasize gridlock and partisanship – and that with an execution focus, we can deliver results in months, not years. His campaign has built a strong grassroots network and Aneesh has earned endorsements from elected and grassroots leaders around the Commonwealth including Congressman Jim Moran, Congressman Gerry Connolly, former Congressman Tom Perriello, former Congressman Rick Boucher, and many more.

Paid for by Chopra for Virginia
Filed Under: 2013+2014 Campaigns, Virginia Tagged With:

June 14, DC: Breakfast Honoring Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa

May 15, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Editor’s Note: The AAA-Fund today endorsed Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa in her US Senate campaign. Read more here.

Hanabusa for Hawaii logo

You Are Cordially Invited to Attend a Breakfast Honoring
Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa
Candidate for Senate Armed Services & Natural Resources Committees

With Special Guest
Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer

Friday, June 14, 2013
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Hotel George
15 E Street, NW
Washington, DC

Contribution Levels:
$5000 PAC ~ Individual Host
$2500 PAC ~ Individual Sponsor
(This is a small event, RSVP are necessary thank you)

Please RSVP: Pattie or Ryan
703-354-7444 or 202-544-0020
Pattie@CHPF.net or Ryan@CHPF.net

Hanabusa for Hawaii
P.O. Box 636
Annandale, VA 22003

Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa
Friday, June 14, 2013
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Name___________________________


Street Address_________________


City/State/Zip_________________


Email _________________________


Phone (W)______________________

(H) ____________________


Occupation_____________________


Name of Employer_______________


Credit Card #__________________

Exp Date_______


Signature _____________________

Amount__________________


Type of Card:

Visa

Master Card

American Express


Please make checks payable to:

Hanabusa for Hawaii

P.O. Box 636

Annandale, VA 22003


Contact: Pattie at (703) 354-7444 or Pattie@chpf.net

Fax responses to:  (703) 354-5569


Corporate contributions cannot be accepted.  Federal law requires Hanabusa for Congress to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation, and name of employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in an election cycle.  Contributions are not tax deductible.


Paid for and authorized by Hanabusa for Hawaii
Filed Under: 2013+2014 Campaigns, Hawai'i

AAA-Fund Proudly Endorses Representative Colleen Hanabusa for Senate

May 15, 2013 By Leave a Comment
AAAF logo

Asian Pacific American PAC Touts Unprecedented Opportunity to Elect Second Asian American Female Senator in American History

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Gautam Dutta (202) 236-2048 or Irene Lin (410) 241-7264

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Asian American Action Fund today announced its strong endorsement of Representative Colleen Hanabusa for Senate as the best choice to lead Hawaii and follow in the footsteps of the legendary late Senator Daniel Inouye.

AAA-Fund Executive Director Gautam Dutta said, “2012 was a banner year for Asian American candidates and AAA-Fund believes we can make even more history by electing the second Asian American female to the U.S. Senate.”

Dutta added, “We believe Rep. Hanabusa’s distinguished and progressive record in the state Senate and in the U.S. House make her an outstanding candidate to succeed our dearly beloved Senator Inouye.”

“I am truly honored to once again have AAA-Fund’s support in my campaign for the U.S. Senate. Their support made a key difference in my victory in 2010.” said Rep. Hanabusa. “I look forward to continuing to work with them on issues of critical importance to our AAPI communities, including passing immigration reform, recognizing Native Hawaiian sovereignty and fulfilling our obligations to our Filipino veterans.”

AAA-Fund is a Democratic PAC with local chapters across the country devoted to strengthening the participation of Asian Pacific Americans in the political process.

In 2010, the AAA-Fund lent its support to Hanabusa in the contested House special election for the 1st Congressional District.

Rep. Hanabusa was the first Asian Pacific American female to preside over a legislative body in the United States and the first woman to preside over either chamber of the Hawaii State Legislature.

###

The AAA-Fund is a Democratic political action committee whose goal is to increase the voice of Asian Pacific Americans (APA) on every level of local, state and federal government in America. To achieve this goal, we address the chronic under-representation of APAs as campaign volunteers, campaign contributors, and candidates for political office. The AAA-Fund has endorsed candidates across the country. For more information, go to AAA-fund.org and read our award-winning blog at AAA-fund.com.

Filed Under: 2013+2014 Campaigns, AAA Fund, Hawai'i

Should Immigrants Have the Right to Vote?

May 9, 2013 By 1 Comment

Should you have to be a US citizen to be able to vote?

NYC is now considering allowing any resident to vote if he or she”s been living in the US legally for over 6 months.

What do you think?   My view:  because they have established ties to the community, it makes sense to allow committed, long-term immigrants (i.e., greencard holders) to vote in local elections, but we should be careful about going further than that.

– Gautam Dutta

Filed Under: Civil Rights/Liberties, Culture, Demographics, Gautam Dutta, New York, Social Justice, Voting Rights

Public hospitals in NYC charge less for Medicaid care than private, hospital closings & the safety net

May 8, 2013 By Leave a Comment

The NYTimes has a new article out on the discrepancy amongst hospitals and what they charge for Medicaid procedures. This isn’t a new topic (Stephen Brill did a great piece on it called “Bitter Pill” and patient advocates have known this for a long time), but the government released new comparison data on 3,000 hospitals nationally. In the NYC area, it’s unsurprising – the public Health & Hospitals Corporation (HHC) hospitals charge less than the US average for Medicaid services. The private hospitals charge anywhere from 1-2 times the US average, to more than that. Unsurprisingly, because the public safety net hospitals try not to gouge their patients, their finances are also suffering. Of the hospitals that have closed or that are on the chopping block, many are HHC hospitals.

Some of the hospitals that charge less than the US average: Bellevue, King’s County, Harlem, Downtown, Elmhurst, Flushing
Some that charge 1-2x the US avg: NYU Medical Centers, NY Presbyterian, St. Luke’s-Roosevelt, Beth Israel, UMDNJ
Some that charge > 1-2x US avg: Robert Wood Johnson Rahway, Long Island Jewish

Let’s have a conversation about what hospitals price gouge versus perform a public service the next time the state decides to put together Berger Commission part 2 to close hospitals. Because that analysis was incredibly short-sighted and determined that there were too many hospital beds in the event of an emergency. Of course, they thought we would still have access to all bridges and tunnels in the event of an emergency. So when Hurricane Sandy hit, Manhattan hospitals had to transfer within the island. But there weren’t enough beds to transfer patients to, so it took longer to remove all the patients from the waterlogged hospitals. I would hope that this is a serious consideration the next time around.

It’s easy to make money by overcharging. It’s harder to keep hospitals afloat when you are committed to public service, harder to justify grossly overcharging for things from basic bandages to complicated, costly procedures.

–Caroline

Filed Under: Caroline, Economy, Healthcare, New York

AAAFGC: Statement on the importance of prioritizing family in comprehensive reform

April 15, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Editor’s Note: The below is from our Greater Chicago chapter. Be sure to read their recent work and victories in the April 9 elections. This post continues our recent immigration-related coverage prior to the immigration bill‘s release.

Asian American Action Fund of Greater Chicago logo

Statement on the importance of prioritizing family in comprehensive reform and call to action!

Dear Friends:

The Asian American Action Fund of Greater Chicago (AAAF-GC) joined the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR), California Congressman Mike Honda, and local Asian American businesses and community leaders today for a press conference to keep Asian American families together as part of the comprehensive immigration reform package currently being negotiated in Washington.

Recent discussions reveal the legislation – expected to be announced this week – will cut funding for family visas, a longstanding pillar of American immigration policy. In fact, family sponsorship is the most common way Asian Americans immigrate to the U.S. According to ICIRR, nearly half of 4.3 million people currently waiting in the visa backlog are of Asian descent.

AAAF-GC strongly supports preserving family sponsorship as part of broader immigration reform. For decades, this mechanism has been a fair and effective way for keeping families together. Asian and Pacific Islanders (API’s) represent the fastest growing ethnic group in Illinois. API’s, like all people, are best positioned to positively contribute to our communities and the economy when our families are intact, so we must preserve family visas.

AAAF-GC commends Senator Richard J. Durbin for his leadership on the immigration issue, and thanks the chorus of Illinois House Members including Congressman Luis Gutierrez and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky who have come out in support of family visas. We reiterate that any immigration reform package must provide an avenue for family sponsorship in order to be effective.

You can take action by urging your elected officials to do the right thing and protect family visas by clicking here.

Asian American Action Fund of Greater Chicago on motorcoach bus

Thank you,

Jae Choi Kim
President
Asian American Action Fund of Greater Chicago

The Asian American Action Fund of Greater Chicago is a political action committee (PAC) dedicated to supporting progressive Asian Pacific Americans for elected office. Please contact us at info@aaafgc.com for further inquiries.
Filed Under: Illinois, Immigration, Organizations, The Editors

AAAF-GC’s Endorsed Candidates Win Big on Election Day

April 15, 2013 By 1 Comment

Editor’s Note: The below is from our Greater Chicago chapter & is a follow-up to the many election activities for the April 9 elections. Their work directly enables Asian-Americans to better participate in public life to represent their constituents.

Asian American Action Fund of Greater Chicago logo

AAAF-GC’s Endorsed Candidates Win Big on Election Day!

AAAF-GC commends all candidates on a hard-fought election and congratulates the winners below, who we proudly endorsed:

Pramod Shah
Village Clerk, Village of Skokie

Jin Lee
District 207 School Board, Maine Township)

Holly Kim
Trustee, Village of Mundelein

Thank you to all who volunteered and helped make this a successful election for Asian American candidates!

Election night, Skokie Caucus Party Campaign Office

Election night, Skokie Caucus Party Campaign Office
The Asian American Action Fund of Greater Chicago is a political action committee (PAC) dedicated to supporting progressive Asian Pacific Americans for elected office. Please contact us at info@aaafgc.com for further inquiries.
Filed Under: 2011+2012 Campaigns, Illinois, Organizations, The Editors
« Older Posts