A COUNCIL dedicated to the interests of Asian-Pacific Americans recently released the 2012 Policy Blueprint for Action, part of which promotes Medicaid eligibility among the minority group.
Guam Delegate Madeleine Bordallo made the announcement in light of the U.S. Capitol’s celebration of Asian-Pacific Heritage Month. A ceremony was recently held to recognize the contributions of the “fastest growing minority population in the country.”
Bordallo serves as the vice chair of the Congressional Asian-Pacific American Caucus, which hosted the ceremony. She also attended the Asian-Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies 2012 awards dinner where President Barack Obama spoke about the contributions of the APA community and his administration’s support for addressing their specific needs and concerns.
According to Bordallo, among the initiatives in the 2012 Blueprint issued by the National Council of Asian-Pacific Americans – a coalition of 30 APA organizations from across the country – is restoring Medicaid eligibility for migrants from the Freely Associated States and to lift Medicaid caps for the Pacific Island territories. Bordallo also said the blueprint promotes the passage of H.R. 44, the Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act.
NCAPA members were among those who attended the APAICS ceremony.
Bordalla stated: “Asian Pacific American Heritage Month presents an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions of the fastest growing minority populations in our country, and to draw attention to the hurdles we have yet to overcome. I appreciate that President Obama has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing inequities among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. I also appreciate that the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans is working to promote the interests of the APA community with its Policy Blueprint for Action, and for including Guam war claims. The passage of war claims remains my highest legislative priority in Congress, and I will continue to work to resolve this longstanding injustice for Guam.
“NCAPA’s directive also highlights Medicaid inequities in the territories and the need to restore Medicaid eligibility for migrants from the Freely Associated States who are living in the United States. Despite the inequities that continue to exist, Republicans recently advanced legislation that would move us backwards and reverse the progress made in the Affordable Care Act. These kinds of blind cuts demonstrate the need to continue to raise awareness of the most critical issues facing our communities.”
