MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today delivered the Democratic Radio Address celebrating Hmong Heritage Month in Wisconsin and newly enacted bipartisan legislation, 2023 Wisconsin Act 266, which Gov. Evers enacted today, requiring schools to include education on the contributions and history of Hmong Americans and Asian Americans in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin law requires K-12 schools to teach Black American, Hispanic American, and Native American history. Act 266 adds Hmong and Asian American histories to this required curriculum, promoting greater awareness and understanding among Wisconsin students of the histories, cultures, and traditions of these diverse communities in Wisconsin.

Gov. Evers also proclaimed April Hmong Heritage Month in accordance with national observances. The governor’s proclamation can be found here.

Audio File to Radio Address.

Hey there, folks. Governor Tony Evers here.

In April, we celebrate Hmong Heritage Month.

Hmong and Asian American Wisconsinites have been enriching our history, culture, and communities for decades, and we are proud that our state is home to the third-largest Hmong population in our nation.

That includes the courageous Hmong-Lao veterans who fought alongside U.S. troops during the Vietnam War and the many Hmong and Asian American community leaders, educators, small business owners, and more who call Wisconsin home today.

Through several of our statewide grant programs, we’ve been able to support the work of outstanding organizations that serve Hmong and Asian American communities, like the Hmong American Center, the Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce, and WUCMAA, and more.

This has included supporting efforts to provide culturally competent mental health and healthcare and ensure underserved communities in our state can find the care they need.

I was proud to designate May 14 as Hmong-Lao Veterans Day here in Wisconsin, and each year since, we’ve lowered the flags to recognize and honor the service and sacrifice of Hmong-Lao veterans.

And this week, I signed a bill to build on those efforts by ensuring the histories and stories of Hmong and Asian American communities are taught in K-12 schools across our state.

Folks, it’s important that we celebrate our shared histories, and Wisconsin wouldn’t be the state it is today without Hmong and Asian American communities.

Simple as that.

So, with that, happy Hmong Heritage Month, and take care.