Video & Transcript : 'diaspora' :

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CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • That being said, in the United States, California is the capital of the Armenian diaspora.
  • That makes us home to the largest diaspora community anywhere, with the exception of Russia.
  • That makes us home to the largest diaspora community anywhere, with the exception of Russia.
  • It is one of California's greatest community assets to have a vibrant diaspora community.
  • largest, most economically capable concentration of that diaspora in the country.
Summary: The inaugural meeting of the Select Committee on California and Armenia Mutual Trade, Art, and Cultural Exchange focused on strengthening California-Armenia ties through trade, investment, education, culture, and diplomacy. Chair Harabedian and Assemblymember Caloza opened by emphasizing the importance of the Armenian-American community in California and the committee’s goal of expanding opportunities for business, job creation, cultural preservation, and academic exchange. The Republic of Armenia’s ambassador and the Armenian Consul General both described Armenia as a growing strategic partner for California, highlighting recent peace and connectivity developments, Armenia’s diversification strategy, and the role of the Armenian diaspora in linking the two places. The first panel featured Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and Go-Biz trade specialist Trisha Utterback. Kounalakis reviewed the 2019 California-Armenia framework agreement and the opening of the California trade and services desk in Yerevan, noting growth in academic ties and California’s support for Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Utterback outlined Go-Biz’s trade and investment programs and reported that California-Armenia two-way trade has more than doubled since 2019, with exports rising sharply; she cited examples of California companies expanding into Armenia and Armenian businesses seeking California opportunities. Members asked about future priorities, and panelists pointed to tech, clean energy, agriculture, and continued outreach through trade and investment programs. A second panel centered on Glendale’s role as a gateway for the partnership. Mayor Ara Najarian described Glendale’s large Armenian-American population, the Armenian American Museum, sister-city relationships, and the city’s role in cultural and economic diplomacy, while also raising concerns about Artsakh, displaced Armenians, detainees, and discrimination against Armenian Americans. Vahe Kozoyan of ServiceTitan shared his company’s growth from a Glendale startup to a global firm with major operations in Armenia, and Armina Galstian of SmartGate VC and Hero House Glendale described a California-Armenia innovation corridor supporting startups, AI, robotics, cybersecurity, and neuroscience. Committee members discussed how the state can further support the partnership through investment, delegation visits, education, innovation hubs, and ensuring Armenian-owned businesses are not excluded from supplier diversity and anti-discrimination protections.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • That being said, in the United States, California is the capital of the Armenian diaspora.
  • That makes us home to the largest diaspora community anywhere, with the exception of Russia.
  • This is one brilliant example of Armenia-diaspora cooperation and public-private cooperation.
  • It is one of California's greatest community assets to have a vibrant diaspora community.
  • largest, most economically capable concentration of that diaspora in the country.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • These countries see their diaspora communities as threats to their political stability and often extend
  • Who are the impacted diaspora communities that law enforcement must reach out to in order to develop
  • the intent of the bill is to create bias in the law and to elevate some preferred voices in the diaspora
  • I think I’ll just add that we want to make sure, you know, we talk a lot about diaspora communities.
  • I think the request would be just to add diverse impacted diaspora communities so we can ensure that
Summary: The committee met to hear seven Senate bills, first approving two consent items, SB 352 and SB 804, on motions to do pass to Appropriations. SB 542 (Limón) would require public notice and comment before issuing a financial responsibility certificate for an oil pipeline and require hydrostatic testing before restarting pipelines idle for five years or more; it was supported by the Center for Biological Diversity and passed the committee on a due-pass motion to Appropriations. SB 616 (Rubio) would create an independent community hardening commission within the Department of Insurance to coordinate wildfire mitigation and insurance-related recommendations; it drew support from the Department of Insurance and several local and industry groups, while water agencies, special districts, and the building industry raised concerns about water infrastructure standards, and it passed on a due-pass motion to Insurance. SB 429 (Cortese), which would establish a public wildfire catastrophe model and related university-based research and education program, received support from the Department of Insurance and outside groups and passed as amended to Appropriations. SB 256 (Perez) would strengthen wildfire mitigation and emergency response by expanding planning, improving PSPS communication, requiring utility coordination with emergency centers, and directing removal of permanently abandoned electrical facilities; utilities and business groups were generally neutral after amendments, while the author emphasized the bill’s connection to recent wildfire losses, and it passed as amended to Appropriations. SB 509 (Caballero) would require specialized training for local law enforcement on transnational repression targeting diaspora communities; it received support from the California Police Chiefs Association and immigrant-rights advocates, but drew extensive opposition from Hindu and civil-rights organizations concerned about bias, implementation, and First Amendment issues. Committee members discussed amendments to clarify cultural competency, diversity, and constitutional protections, and the bill passed as amended to Appropriations. After the hearing, the committee took final roll-call votes on the bills, with the consent items and SB 429, SB 256, and SB 509 moving forward, while SB 542 and SB 616 were also reported out on earlier motions.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Emergency Management Committee Jul 14th, 2025

Emergency Management

Transcript Highlights:
  • These countries see their diaspora communities as threats to their political stability and often extend
  • Who are the impacted diaspora communities that law enforcement must reach out to to develop trainings
  • the intent of the bill is to create bias in the law and to elevate some preferred voices in the diaspora
  • our committee pushed really hard to make sure that this was neutral not specific to any specific diaspora
  • I think the request would be just to add diverse impacted diaspora communities so we can ensure that
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Cabo Verdean Cultural Center Apr 13th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • There's so many people around the diaspora that is from this area that can't be at listening sessions
  • I know we work with groups all over our diaspora, as far as even Holland.
  • And the other question is, because you bring up the diaspora, is any attempt being made, any thought
  • He was super Creole, but he could not engage with the American Cape Verdean diaspora in a way that...
  • Verdean diaspora in a way that and um in a way that Mr.
Summary: The commission met to approve prior minutes, note attendance, and discuss updates on its work to plan a Cape Verdean Culture Center/Museum in Massachusetts. The minutes from the March 11 meeting were reviewed and accepted by motion and vote, with one correction noted about duplicate section numbering. Members also discussed a vacancy left by Julius Brito’s inability to accept appointment, and the need to potentially extend the commission’s deadline and broaden the window for adding commissioners. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on funding and legislative strategy. Staff reported that an amendment to extend the commission’s sunset date from December 31, 2026 to December 31, 2027 was filed in the Senate’s fair share budget but was not accepted. Commissioners and legislators discussed other possible vehicles for the extension, including the regular budget, supplemental budgets, or other moving bills, and also reviewed past and possible future funding sources for a feasibility study, including House and Senate earmarks, a bond bill, and eventually a nonprofit structure that could fundraise. Members emphasized the need for a consultant to support a feasibility study and for public pressure or commissioner advocacy if needed. The bulk of the meeting was a brainstorming session on community engagement and outreach. Commissioners discussed a three-part approach involving site visits, traditional listening sessions, and outreach at existing Cape Verdean events, with possible additions of social media, a website, surveys, recordings, and canvassing. Suggested locations included New Bedford, Cape Cod, Boston, Brockton, Taunton, and potentially Rhode Island sites such as Pawtucket, with several members stressing the historical importance of New Bedford and Cape Cod. Participants also raised the importance of historical accuracy, youth engagement, visibility, and involving existing Cape Verdean organizations and museums. The meeting ended with agreement to continue refining the engagement framework, compile event lists, and return with more concrete dates and plans at the next meeting.
MA
Transcript Highlights:
  • There's so many people around the diaspora that is from this area that can't be at listening sessions
  • I know we work with groups all over our diaspora as far as even Holland.
  • And the other question is, because you bring up the diaspora, is any attempt being made, any thought
  • He was super Creole, but he could not engage with the American Cape Verdean diaspora in a way that Mr
  • Abel, there's a major election on the 17th of May here in the diaspora and in Cape Verde.
Summary: The commission approved the minutes from its March 11 meeting after a motion by Jeannie Costa and a second by Senator Michael Brady, with members noting a few possible corrections to attendance and wording. The meeting then focused on updates about the commission’s timeline and funding. Staff reported that an amendment to extend the commission’s deadline from December 31, 2026 to December 31, 2027 was filed in the Fair Share budget but was not accepted, and members discussed pursuing the extension through other budget vehicles, including the regular budget, a supplemental budget, or other legislation. Commissioners also discussed the need to fill a vacancy left by Julius Brito and to potentially extend the deadline for appointing new commissioners. A substantial portion of the meeting was devoted to brainstorming the commission’s community engagement plan for the proposed Cape Verdean Culture Center. Members revisited a three-part approach involving site visits, traditional listening sessions, and outreach at existing Cape Verdean events, while also emphasizing historical accuracy, youth engagement, visibility, and regional collaboration. Commissioners suggested using surveys, canvassing, social media, a website, and other digital tools to reach people across the diaspora, including those unable to attend in person. Several members recommended specific locations and institutions for engagement, including New Bedford, Brockton, Boston, Cape Cod, and Rhode Island, with references to museums, historical societies, clubs, and cultural organizations already doing related work. Testimony and comments also addressed funding and organizational structure for the future center. Legislators described possible funding sources such as House and Senate earmarks, a bond bill, and a nonprofit structure that could later support fundraising and operations. Members discussed examples from other cultural institutions, including the Holocaust Museum, the African American History Museum, and the Haitian Toussaint Louverture Cultural Center, as models for governance and public support. The group also raised the possibility of future collaboration with the Cape Verdean government and institutions in Cabo Verde, though one member urged waiting until after upcoming elections there before making formal contacts. No additional votes were taken beyond approving the minutes and adjourning the meeting.
CO

Colorado 2026 Regular Session

Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 029 Feb 12th, 2026

Colorado Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And whereas Asians and the Asian diaspora have expanded the Lunar New Year celebration into an annual
  • And whereas Asians and the Asian diaspora have expanded the Lunar New Year celebration into an annual
  • That increasing the visibility of cultural traditions that are widely celebrated among the Asian diaspora
  • That increasing the visibility of cultural traditions that are widely celebrated among the Asian diaspora
  • That increasing the visibility of cultural traditions that are widely celebrated among the Asian diaspora
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Cabo Verdean Cultural Center Apr 13th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • There's so many people around the diaspora that are from this area that can't be at listening sessions
  • I know we work with groups all over our diaspora, as far as even Holland.
  • And the other question is, because you bring up the diaspora, is any attempt being made, any thought
  • He was super Creole, but he could not engage with the American Cape Verdean diaspora in a way that...
  • Abel, there's a major election on the 17th of May here in the diaspora and in Cape Verde.
Summary: The commission met to approve prior minutes, hear updates on funding and deadline extensions, and continue planning for a Cape Verdean Culture Center/Museum in Boston. Members reviewed the commission’s charge, including developing an organizational structure, governance model, feasibility study, community engagement plan, and possible nonprofit structure. The minutes from the March 11 meeting were approved after a motion and second, with one noted correction about duplicate section numbering. A major discussion focused on legislative and budget options to extend the commission’s deadline from December 31, 2026 to December 31, 2027 and to preserve or secure funding for a feasibility study and related work. Legislators said an amendment to the fair share budget was not accepted, but they would continue looking for a vehicle such as the regular budget, supplemental budget, or another bill. Members also discussed the possibility of future earmarks or bond funding, and the need to fill a current vacancy on the commission. The bulk of the meeting was a brainstorming session on community engagement. Commissioners supported a three-part approach involving site visits, listening sessions, and outreach at existing Cape Verdean events, with added emphasis on social media, a website, surveys, canvassing, and other tools to reach people across the diaspora. Members suggested prioritizing locations such as New Bedford, Cape Cod, Boston, Brockton, and possibly Pawtucket, and discussed working with existing Cape Verdean organizations, museums, and historical groups. There was also discussion of best practices from other cultural institutions, the importance of historical accuracy and youth engagement, and whether to involve the Cape Verdean government after upcoming elections. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which passed.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Apr 20th, 2026

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Armenian Genocide and our unwavering solidarity with the people of Armenia and Armenians in the diaspora
  • The Armenian diaspora is not only impacted by the Armenian Genocide, but in so many ways is shaped by
  • It also reflects the strength of the Nigerian diaspora in California, approximately 60,000 residents,
  • Diaspora United Chamber of Commerce, the Bay Area Council, and the California Energy Commission.
  • Diaspora United Chamber of Commerce; and Geraldine Mbha, Vice President... ...diaspora, United Chamber
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Administration of Criminal Justice Apr 8th, 2026

Administration of Criminal Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • individuals, typically political dissidents, activists, journalists, opposition members, or members of diaspora
  • is when the Chinese Communist Party reaches here within the United States and abuses the Chinese diaspora
  • is when the Chinese Communist Party reaches here within the United States and abuses the Chinese diaspora
  • is when the Chinese Communist Party reaches here within the United States and abuses the Chinese diaspora
  • It's primarily going to affect dissidents in diaspora communities from different terrorist organizations
Summary: The Committee for the Administration of Criminal Justice met on April 8, 2026, with a quorum present and heard several criminal justice bills. HB 322, which would prohibit fees for victims or family members requesting transcripts of executive-session testimony before the Board of Pardons and Parole, was described as a cleanup measure and was reported favorably without objection. HB 635, dealing with criminal activity by agents of foreign adversaries or foreign terrorist organizations, received extensive support testimony from advocacy groups focused on foreign influence and transnational repression; the committee adopted a technical amendment and reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 132, which expands battery of a police officer to cover intentional sound directed at an officer and related conduct, drew strong support from law enforcement groups and significant opposition from civil liberties and criminal defense organizations concerned about vagueness, First Amendment issues, and impacts on parades and protests; after adopting an amendment moving the sound-related language into the general battery definition, the committee reported the bill favorably as amended. The committee also considered HB 275, which increases minimum sentences when domestic abuse occurs in the presence of a child and extends the penalty to battery of a dating partner. Supporters argued the bill recognizes the lasting trauma to children exposed to domestic violence, while opponents warned that mandatory minimums reduce judicial discretion and that the child-presence language is broad; the committee adopted two amendment sets and reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 808, revising Louisiana’s HIV exposure law to require a substantial likelihood of transmission based on current medical science and to narrow criminal liability for negligible-risk conduct, drew broad support from physicians, advocates, and people living with HIV, with testimony emphasizing that the law should reflect modern science and avoid overcriminalization; after adopting an amendment set, the committee reported the bill favorably as amended. Finally, HB 1054, sponsored by Chair Villio, would allow certain law-enforcement drone footage to be self-authenticating with notice requirements; it received support from prosecutors and sheriffs’ groups and was reported favorably without objection.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Apr 20th, 2026

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Armenian Genocide and our unwavering solidarity with the people of Armenia and Armenians in the diaspora
  • The Armenian diaspora is not only impacted by the Armenian Genocide, but in so many ways is shaped by
  • It also reflects the strength of the Nigerian diaspora in California, approximately 60,000 residents,
  • Diaspora United Chamber of Commerce; the Bay Area Council; and the California Energy Commission.
  • Diaspora United Chamber of Commerce.
Summary: The Assembly convened after a delayed quorum call, then moved through routine procedural actions, including unanimous-consent requests on guest seating and committee referrals. A motion by Assembly Member DeMaio to withdraw AB 2624 from committee failed on a roll call vote, 14-44. The chamber also heard multiple guest introductions and held an Armenian Genocide Remembrance ceremony with a prayer, pledge, and moment of silence. The main floor action centered on H.R. 97, commemorating the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Assembly Member Schultz and numerous colleagues spoke in support, emphasizing historical recognition, solidarity with Armenian Californians, and opposition to denial. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 66 co-authors were added. Later, H.R. 99 recognizing California Agriculture Day also drew extensive support from members highlighting the state’s agricultural economy, farmworkers, and the need for continued investment in agriculture; it was adopted by voice vote after 65 co-authors were added. Several bills were also considered and passed: AB 1838 on contractor wage-and-hour disclosure for public works bids, AB 1562 authorizing counties to randomly select poll workers, AB 2297 standardizing restitution rules in diversion programs, AB 1659 improving school re-enrollment support for justice-impacted youth, AB 1974 creating an optional temporary firearm storage program for law enforcement, AB 2402 updating health studio fee rules, and AB 1607 extending the Maddy Emergency Medical Services Fund. AB 1607 drew sharp opposition over fee funding and broader policy concerns, but passed 66-1. The Assembly also adopted ACR 129 establishing a sister-state relationship with Lagos State, Nigeria, and considered a Senate joint resolution on tariffs, with members split over whether tariffs or state policies were the main driver of higher costs; the transcript ends during debate on that resolution.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Rep. Maria Isa Perez Vega departing member remarks 5/18/26

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And I'm proud of being born in a Minnesota for my diaspora Borikén to continue to thrive and say that
  • proud of being born in a Minnesota<00:08:14.080><c> for</c><00:08:14.200><c> my</c><00:08:14.360><c> diaspora
  • </c><00:08:15.000><c> Borikén</c><00:08:15.600><c> to</c> Minnesota for my diaspora Borikén to Minnesota
  • for my diaspora Borikén to continue<00:08:16.160><c> to</c><00:08:16.280><c> thrive</c><00:08:16.720
MD

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session, 2/9/2026 #1

Maryland Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • values, our honor and our diversity and puts it in a larger narrative of African history and the diaspora
  • values, our honor and our diversity and puts it in a larger narrative of African history and the diaspora
  • values, our honor and our diversity and puts it in a larger narrative of African history and the diaspora
  • values, our honor and our diversity and puts it in a larger narrative of African history and the diaspora
  • </c> diaspora of the people of our people. diaspora of the people of our people.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • So I think just the diaspora, you know, address—you think about it like, how do you address the diaspora
  • So I think just the diaspora, you know, address—you think about it like, how do you address the diaspora
  • So I think just the diaspora, you know, address—you think about it like, how do you address the diaspora
  • So I think just the diaspora, you know, address—you think about it like, how do you address the diaspora
  • So I think just the diaspora, you know, address—you think about it like, how do you address the diaspora
Committee: House Finance
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Mar 26th, 2026

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Many in the Persian and Central Asian diaspora in my community will be celebrating Noruz for the next
  • Many in the Persian and Central Asian diaspora in my community will be celebrating No-Ruz for the next
  • I'm proud to represent Tarangeles and Persian Square, the heart of the Iranian diaspora in America.
Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, with opening prayer and pledge, followed by a series of guest introductions recognizing Nevada County search and rescue volunteers, a Canadian delegation, Oakland High School Public Health Academy students, Claremont McKenna College students, St. Edward’s Parish School students, and others. The body also approved several procedural motions, including re-referrals of bills to committees and permission for committees to notice bills pending re-referral. On the floor file, the Assembly adopted ACR 152 designating March 2026 as American Red Cross Month, with remarks praising Red Cross disaster relief, blood supply, and training work. It also adopted HR 90 celebrating No-Ruz, the Persian New Year, with members noting its themes of renewal and resilience amid conflict affecting Iranian communities. Later, ACR 141 recognizing Visak Day was adopted, honoring the Buddha’s birth and teachings on peace, compassion, and balance. Each of these resolutions received numerous co-authors before voice vote adoption. The Assembly also passed AB 1844, which updates the Judges’ Retirement System 2 to allow judges to designate non-spouse beneficiaries for survivor retirement benefits and extend protections to vested judges. On the consent calendar, AB 1948 relating to firearms and several resolutions, including HR 94 on Major League Baseball Opening Day 2026 and Senate concurrent resolutions, were adopted, with AB 1948 passing 60-0. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of Caitlin Katie Mardellett and a motion to adjourn for spring recess until April 6.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • The other thing is that, in terms of the economy, I think that the diaspora is just really something
  • That's all, thank you. of Hawaii I think the diaspora um in of Hawaii I think the diaspora um in terms
  • the diaspora is just really<00:18:59.480><c> something</c><00:18:59.840><c> that</c><00:19:00.039><c
  • Meanwhile, the Hawaiian diaspora continues to grow, cutting families from their ʻāina for generations
  • Meanwhile, the Hawaiian diaspora continues to grow, cutting families from their ʻāina for generations
Summary: The joint Housing and Public Safety/Water and Land hearing first took up HB 1096, which would repeal statutory tenant-selection preferences for disabled veterans and spouses of deceased veterans in state low-income housing. HPHA testified in support, saying the change was a housekeeping measure because the same preferences already exist in administrative rules and could be adjusted later to align with other local preferences, while also noting the federal VASH program provides stronger veteran housing support. Several members questioned why the preference should be removed at all, emphasizing that veterans have long been underserved and asking for a stronger justification; the committees ultimately deferred HB 1096. The later Housing/Hawaiian Affairs agenda heard HB 606 HD1, a measure to extend Act 279 funding and related exemptions for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Supporters argued the bill would give DHHL more time to use the $600 million appropriation to acquire land, work with developers, and address a wait list of about 29,000 applicants, while also helping restore Hawaiian communities and reduce the Hawaiian diaspora. Opponents focused on accountability and oversight, saying DHHL needs clearer plans, measurable goals, and stronger safeguards before receiving more money, and warning that prior spending and strategic-plan changes had reduced the number of applicants served. The committee also heard testimony that the bill would help DHHL fulfill long-standing obligations to Native Hawaiians and that the housing need affects the broader state, not only Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Administration of Criminal Justice Apr 8th, 2026

Administration of Criminal Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • individuals, typically political dissidents, activists, journalists, opposition members, or members of diaspora
  • is when the Chinese Communist Party reaches here within the United States and abuses the Chinese diaspora
  • Communist Party reaches here within the United States and abuses the Chinese diaspora, whether or not
  • It's primarily going to affect the dissidents in diaspora communities from different terrorist organizations
Bills: HCR7 , HB76 , HB84 , HB132 , HB265 , HB275 , HB322 , HB635 , HB808 , HB883 , HB1054