Happy AANHPI Month!
May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. I’m honored to join communities across the country in celebrating the history, immeasurable contributions, and achievements of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.
This observance originally began as “Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week,” which was established through a joint Congressional resolution in 1978 and was later designated as “Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month” in section 102 of title 36, United States Code. The month of May was chosen due to two important milestones in AANHPI history: May 7, 1843, when the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the United States, and May 10, 1869, when the first transcontinental railroad was completed with substantial contributions from Chinese immigrant workers.
AANHPI Month is about paying tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America's history and are instrumental in our future success. We must also do all we can to stop anti-Asian hate, whenever and wherever it occurs. A new report shows 32% of Asian Americans nationwide were called a slur over the past 12 months, and 29% were verbally harassed or abused. More than a quarter of Asian Americans say they feel unsafe on public transportation, and 41% think they will be the victim of a physical attack in the next five years.
Awareness is key – we need to do more to keep all Americans safe from bigotry and discrimination. One of the best ways to fight ignorance and hatred is by learning about other communities and cultures. That’s why this month is so important. It gives us the opportunity to learn more about our neighbors and their contributions to our country. Let’s make sure AANHPI stories are told at every level and AANHPI voices are represented – in books, media, entertainment, and in government.
BREAKING: Economy Update
The unemployment rate has been under 4% for the longest stretch of time since the 1960s. The U.S. added 175,000 new jobs last month. This is progress – but we have more to do, we must continue to make sure these jobs pay a livable minimum wage.
That’s why I’m proud to support the Raise the Wage Act to increase the minimum wage to $17 an hour by 2028. Americans deserve to be fairly compensated for their hard work. Hoosiers shouldn’t have to work two or three jobs to feed their families or keep their homes.
That’s why I’m also working to lower the high cost of goods and services. Democrats’ work has resulted in a cap on the price of insulin – no senior on Medicare pays more than $35 a month for this lifesaving medication, thanks to our work. I’ll keep fighting for you – the hardworking, middle-class Americans who make our country so great.
Success Story of the Week:
Last month, my office was honored to present Clifton Morlan of American Legion Post 360 with his official Korean Defense Medal. Our office began assisting Cliff with his medal request back in 2022. He was originally issued the discontinued Korean Service Medal instead of the correct Korean Defense Medal. We were proud to get the correct medal awarded and honor a worthy veteran for his brave service to our country.
If you or a family member needs assistance with veterans or other federal benefits, please contact my office!
Team Carson is Here to Serve:
Did you know that in 2023, my office responded to over 70,000 of your messages and brought $1.5 MILLION directly back to Indianapolis families? Team Carson is here to serve you – get in touch to find out how we can help you navigate a federal agency, access government benefits, or recognize a community member’s milestone.
For updates throughout the week, don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Your Friend,
André