REFERENCE TITLE: Asian‑Americans; diversity; data collection

State of Arizona Senate Fifty-third Legislature First Regular Session 2017

SCR 1012

Introduced by Senator Yee

 

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

 

recognizing the diversity within the Asian-American and Pacific Islander populations and supporting improved data collection and analysis to reflect that diversity.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 

Whereas, the Asian‑American and Pacific Islander communities are the fastest growing segments in Arizona, increasing in population from 255,000 in 2010 to more than 322,000 in 2014, as well as the nation, increasing from approximately 16.4 million people in 2009 to approximately 20.5 million in 2014; and

Whereas, the United States decennial census revealed that Asians and Pacific Islanders constitute approximately 5.9% of the total population; and

Whereas, the Asian‑American and Pacific Islander communities are among the most diverse groups in Arizona, representing over 50 nations and speaking over 100 different languages; and

Whereas, current data collection standards do not accurately represent and are incapable of adequately assessing the status and needs of the Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities; and

Whereas, data collection by many agencies, such as the National Center for Health Statistics, generalizes all Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders under a single label; and

Whereas, the generalization of all Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders makes it difficult to analyze how race, ethnicity and language impact individual and community health; and

Whereas, Asian-American and Pacific Islander immigrants face challenges that can affect their ability to access critical services; and

Whereas, improvements in data collection standards are needed to ensure state‑of‑the‑art, consistent data collection by race, ethnicity and preferred language.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Arizona, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the Members of the Legislature recognize the diversity within the Asian-American and Pacific Islander populations and support improved data collection and analysis to reflect that diversity.