CONTACT:
Gwen Pepin
[email protected]
Chicago, IL – As we approach the end of Asian-American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month and reflect on the contributions of Illinois’s AANHPI communities today and year-round, we recognize Lake County Treasurer and Illinois Asian American Caucus Chair Holly Kim’s steadfast advocacy for working families, championing of Asian American voices, and work to ensure that local office is efficient, modern, and accessible to those she serves.
“From holding financial empowerment seminars, to judiciously investing county funds, to championing small businesses, Treasurer Kim shows us what it looks like to directly empower communities of color and working families. This AANHPI month and every month, I’m proud that she is improving the accessibility of the county’s financial resources and helping ensure AANHPI families in Illinois can thrive. Her successes and commitment to justice and solidarity in our Party pushes Democrats and our state forward,” said DPI Chair Lisa Hernandez.
“Asian Americans often grapple with a stereotype known as ‘perpetual foreigner syndrome,’ which falsely presumes us to be outsiders no matter how many generations our families have been in this country. That’s why Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a key reminder of how Asian American contributions are woven in the fabric of America,” said Treasurer Kim.
Kim continued: “In the height of the pandemic–when even my children were scared of the rise in Asian hate–I saw the support of Democratic leaders who represent and protect us in Congress, state, and local governments. Democratic legislators of the Illinois Asian American Caucus sponsored the Teaching Equitable Asian American Community History (TEAACH) Act which ensures more young Illinoisans learn about Asian American contributions to our nation’s economic, cultural, social, and political development. Democrats continue to champion an America where everyone has the opportunity to thrive in our nation’s story.”
Holly Kim was first elected as Lake County Treasurer in 2018 and since then, she has increased the county’s investment income and modernized her office by launching eBills and 24 hour online support tickets to improve accessibility to residents. She works to engage her constituents and help empower families by hosting community financial literacy sessions. In addition to her work as Lake County Treasurer, Kim’s leadership as Chair of the Asian American Caucus and Vice Chair of Lake County Democrats has helped foster respect, promote justice and empower Illinois’s AANHPI communities.
###
