Reps. Hopgood, Accavitti, Adamini, Anderson, Bieda, Brown, Byrum, Cheeks, Clack, Condino, Dennis, DeRossett, Ehardt, Elkins, Farrah, Garfield, Gieleghem, Gillard, Gleason, Hager, Hardman, Hood, Huizenga, Jamnick, Kolb, Kooiman, LaJoy, LaSata, Law, Lipsey, Milosch, Minore, Murphy, O'Neil, Palsrok, Pappageorge, Plakas, Richardville, Rivet, Rocca, Sak, Shaffer, Sheltrown, Shulman, Spade, Stallworth, Stewart, Tabor, Taub, Tobocman, Vander Veen, Voorhees, Waters, Wojno, Woodward and Zelenko offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 243.

            A resolution declaring May 2004 as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, The state of Michigan is fortunate to have nearly 180,000 citizens of Asian and Pacific Island descent among its population. They have made, and continue to make, significant contributions to our society. Individuals of Asian and Pacific Island origin have migrated to Michigan from over 30 nations and are excelling in the fields of education, business, the arts, and other various professions; and

            Whereas, The dedication and commitment of our Great Lakes state's Asian Pacific American citizens is best reflected in the establishment of many Asian Pacific American organizations such as the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce, the Council of Asian Pacific Americans, Asian American Citizens for Justice, the Asian Pacific American Women’s Association, the Mid-Michigan Asian Pacific American Association, and the Asian American Bar Association; and

            Whereas, Asian Pacific American citizens, through advocating issues of justice and equity, continue to break down the barriers of discrimination, indifference, and intolerance, thereby making it possible for all Asian Pacific Americans to move to the forefront of social, cultural, political, and economic arenas; and

            Whereas, The state of Michigan is proud of its cultural diversity and welcomes the opportunity to honor our Asian Pacific American citizens for their commitment to leadership, dedication to knowledge, and determination to succeed; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare May 2004 as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in the state of Michigan. We urge all citizens to recognize the many accomplishments and contributions that Asian Pacific Americans have made to our state, nation, and world.