I live in Detroit and worked as a community organizer for almost 10 years before being elected to the state Legislature. I served two terms in the Michigan House of Representatives and served as Democratic Leader in my first term in the Senate. I currently serve as a state senator in Michigan’s 3rd Senate District.
Every day as a state senator looks a little different. On my days at the Capitol, I usually participate in:
Senate sessions, committee hearings, and meetings with various organizations and people visiting the Capitol.
Afterwards, they drive home and attend community meetings and events with their children.
The days I am not at the Capitol typically include:
These include district-wide meetings and events, district office work, community meetings and events, and children’s activities.
One of the reasons I became involved in gun violence prevention is because of my children. I remember seeing so many horrific mass shootings across the country and deaths from gun violence in my own community and wondering, “Where are we safe?” Where will my children be safe?
I was a member of the first Gun Violence Prevention Caucus in the Michigan Legislature. Volunteers and gun violence survivors who continue to speak out and share their stories give me the courage to continue this journey. There were many memorable interactions with supporters. One of the things that sticks out in my mind today is talking to Michigan State University (MSU) students after the February 2023 MSU shooting. Another was hearing the Omilians testify about their daughter Maggie before the Michigan Senate for Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Affairs. Safety Committee. Finally, participating in the March for Our Lives in Detroit in 2018 surrounded by thousands of young people and their adult allies was a powerful moment for me.
I am proud to be Asian American and Taiwanese American. My racial and ethnic identity is a big part of who I am, as well as being the daughter of immigrants. AANHPI Heritage Month is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our history, rich heritage, and the many issues we still have to address. One of the ways I commemorate this month is by going to many of the AANHPI Heritage Month events, including:
My kids and I attended APA Day at the Michigan State Capitol, the Asian Night Market at Eastern Market in Detroit, and the Asian Pacific American Council Cultural Show.
I was the first Asian American woman elected to the Michigan State Legislature and co-founded the Michigan Asian Pacific American Congressional Caucus. The caucus has the following characteristics:
Issues included making January 30th Fred Korematsu Day, passing the Language Access Act, and working on the AANPI (and Multi-Ethnic) History Curriculum Act.
We work with a variety of organizations and the Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission to identify and address issues in our community.
Our work on the Language Access Act, which Governor Whitmer signed into law in 2023, is especially important to me. I introduced this bill in the Senate, and Congressman Ranjeev Puri introduced a corresponding House bill. The law, called the Statewide Meaningful Language Access Adjustment Act, requires state departments and agencies to take steps to provide equal language access. These measures will help people who speak or read languages other than English better access state government services in a language they understand.
Personally, I am proud to be a co-founder of Asian Pacific Islander American Vote Michigan and Rising Voices. These are two great organizations in Michigan that engage members of the AANHPI community in democracy and important issues. Members of the AANHPI community speak out on issues ranging from hate crimes to gun violence. Often, others think we are a “model minority” – a “model minority” who are polite and don’t try to push back on issues. And sometimes part of our culture teaches us not to “rock the boat.” Today, more and more Asian Americans are coming together, speaking out, and organizing on a variety of issues affecting our community and in solidarity with other communities.
“One thing more people are starting to understand is that the AANPI community is not monolithic. We are diverse! We are strong!”
Sen. Stephanie Chan, Michigan’s 3rd Senate District
The rise in hatred against Asian Americans during the coronavirus pandemic has been alarming. Unfortunately, we know it’s not going away. We know that many hate incidents go unreported. We also know that more Asian Americans are purchasing firearms because they think they can help protect themselves. I was proud to sponsor a hate crime bill in the Michigan State Legislature. In 2021, the Michigan State Legislature passed a resolution condemning anti-Asian hate and discrimination. We also secured funding to expand Know Your Rights’ outreach to the AANHPI community about hate crimes and how to report them.
One thing that more people are starting to understand is that the AANPI community is not monolithic. We are diverse! we are strong! We are the fastest growing racial demographic in Michigan and the nation. We have a lot in common with other communities of color. Many members of our community have experienced war or are fleeing persecution or poverty. We come from different religions, ethnicities, and socio-economic statuses.
If you want to know more, you can do something like this:
Read books about Asian American history, attend events to learn about Asian American issues, and ask local Asian American civic groups about their top priorities and how you can help. .
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