Thank you for your support in ensuring that Asian Americans have a voice in how our history is taught across the Commonwealth. We are following up with updates on our efforts to establish an Asian American and Pacific Islander History and Heritage Commission in Virginia. HB1353 was merged with HB1540 and passed through the House Rules Committee. The merged bill later died in the Appropriations Committee after failing to receive a vote. However, progress continues! On March 9, 2024, the General Assembly passed a budget amendment providing $100,000 to create an Asian American history curriculum. Pending the Governor's approval, the Virginia Department of Education will be tasked with developing resources and a model curriculum to support school districts across Virginia in teaching Asian American history in K-12 classrooms. With potential funding now poised to put these resources in place, we are continuing our push to ensure Asian American history is properly implemented, accurately taught, and developed with our community's input. Your continued support for establishing an Asian American and Pacific Islander History and Heritage Commission is greatly appreciated.