[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 47 (Wednesday, April 26, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E606]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          COMMENDING APSEA ON THEIR SUCCESS AND ANNUAL DINNER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 26, 2006

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to California's Asian 
Pacific State Employees Association as they celebrate their 31st 
anniversary and honor two of Sacramento's most outstanding citizens. 
Genevieve Shiroma will receive the President's Award for her 
distinguished career and advocacy in support the Asian Pacific Islander 
community and Raynor Tsuneyoshi will be honored with the Members Award 
for his dedication to APSEA and State employees. I ask all my 
colleagues to join me in saluting the Asian Pacific State Employees 
Association, as well as Ms. Shiroma and Mr. Tsuneyoshi for their 
accomplishments.
  The Asian Pacific State Employees Association, formerly known as the 
Asian State Employees Association, was founded in 1975 for the purpose 
of working toward achieving equal opportunity within the State work 
force through professional development and community empowerment. The 
Association's vision is one of Asian Pacific State employee serving, 
enhancing, and leading State government agencies and their community.
  Objectives adopted by the Association include advocating for Asian 
Pacific Islander State employee interests; providing an Asian Pacific 
network for its members and employers; advancing personal and 
professional development of its membership; consulting with members 
facing adverse action or other employment problems; working with the 
community to promote career opportunities, professionalism, cultural 
pride, self-esteem, and citizenship; and providing services and 
interchange with community, academic, and business groups.
  Benefits and services offered by the Association include employee 
development, networking, scholarship opportunities, communications, and 
celebration of Asian Pacific contributions. At present time, the Asian 
Pacific State Employees Association has over 1,000 members statewide 
and includes chapters in the Southern, Central Valley, and Bay Area. 
Officers frequently serve on legislative fact-finding committees, and 
provide testimony before the legislative committees regarding advocacy 
and affirmative action policies.
  I also would like to acknowledge and congratulate APSEA's special 
honorees. Through her work at the Agricultural Labor Relations Board 
and California Air Resources Board, Genevieve has constantly advocated 
for policies that benefit all Californians. In Sacramento, she 
continues to make her mark as a civic leader by working with numerous 
non-profits and currently serves as president of the Sacramento 
Metropolitan Utility District's Board of Directors. Ray Tsuneyoshi is 
the director of the California Department of Boating and Waterways and 
serves on the National Boating Safety Advisory Council. He is known by 
many as one who all State employees can turn to for assistance.
  Mr. Speaker, the Asian Pacific State Employees Association has 
evolved into a leading organization within the State, a dynamic force 
striving to improve the quality of life of its members and the general 
community. I am confident that Asian Pacific State Employees 
Association will continue to do great work and yield tremendous 
benefits to the Asian Pacific Islander State workers of California. I 
ask all my colleagues to join me in wishing the Asian Pacific State 
Employees Association continued success in the future.

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