216A.155 - DUTIES. - Iowa Statutes

216A.155 DUTIES. The commission shall: 1. Advise the governor and the general assembly on issues confronting Asian and Pacific Islander persons in this state, including the unique problems of non-English-speaking immigrants and refugees. 2. Advise the governor and the general assembly of administrative and legislative changes necessary to ensure Asian and Pacific Islander persons access to benefits and services provided to people in this state. 3. Recommend to the governor and the general assembly any revisions in the state's affirmative action program and other steps necessary to eliminate underutilization of Asian and Pacific Islander persons in the state's workforce. 4. Recommend legislation to the governor and the general assembly designed to improve the economic and social condition of Asian and Pacific Islander persons in this state. 5. Serve as a conduit to state government for organizations of Asian and Pacific Islander persons in this state. 6. Serve as a referral agency to assist Asian and Pacific Islander persons in securing access to state agencies and programs. 7. Serve as a liaison with federal, state, and local governmental units, and private organizations on matters relating to the Asian and Pacific Islander persons in this state. 8. Perform or contract for the performance of studies designed to suggest solutions to the problems of Asian and Pacific Islander persons in the areas of education, employment, human rights, health, housing, social welfare, and other related areas. 9. Implement programs designed to solve the problems of Asian and Pacific Islander persons when authorized by law. 10. Publicize the accomplishments of Asian and Pacific Islander persons and their contributions to this state. 11. Work with other state and federal agencies and organizations to develop small business opportunities and promote economic development for Asian and Pacific Islander persons. 12. Supervise development of an Asian and Pacific Islander trade primer, outlining Asian and Pacific Islander customs, cultural traditions, and business practices, including language usage for use by Iowa's export community. 13. Cooperate with other state and federal agencies and organizations to develop improved state trade relations with Asian and Pacific Islander countries. 14. Adopt rules, with stakeholder input, pursuant to chapter 17A, to develop a mechanism to ensure the qualifications of interpreters for Asian and Pacific Islander persons and maintain and provide a list of those deemed qualified to Iowa courts, administrative agencies, social service agencies, and health agencies, as requested.          Section History: Recent Form 2004 Acts, ch 1020, §7; 2008 Acts, ch 1086, §1