Rules and Administration

Referred to Rules and Administration

Senate Resolution 95 is a formal recognition honoring Dr. Phua Xiong and the St. Paul Family Medical Center for their contributions to healthcare and the Hmong community. The bill declares Dr. Xiong a pioneer for being one of the first Hmong American women to become a physician and acknowledges her 25 years of running a clinic that provides culturally competent care. It formally expresses the Senate's gratitude for her leadership in advancing opportunities for Hmong women and girls while directing the Secretary of the Senate to send an official copy of the resolution to her.

This Senate resolution formally honors the life and legacy of Choua Thao, a Hmong nurse and community leader who passed away in December 2025. The document recognizes her historic role as the first Hmong woman to train as a nurse during the Secret War in Laos and her subsequent decades of service to refugee and immigrant communities in Minnesota. It acknowledges her specific contributions, including her leadership at Sam Thong Hospital and her work with various Hmong and Lao organizations. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to create an official copy of the document and send it to Thao's family as a gesture of recognition.

This Senate resolution designates September 1, 2025, as Hmong Minnesota Day at the Minnesota State Fair. The measure honors the Hmong community's history, including their service in Laos and their resettlement in Minnesota following the Vietnam War. By officially recognizing this date, the bill acknowledges the cultural contributions of the approximately 94,000 Hmong-Americans living in the state. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not alter laws or create new government programs but serves to celebrate the community's heritage and resilience.

This Senate resolution formally recognizes and honors the organizers of "From Mountains to Lakes: The Museums We Carry," an event dedicated to preserving Hmong culture and facilitating intergenerational learning. The bill specifically acknowledges the Minnesota Humanities Center and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community for their leadership in bringing elders, educators, and community leaders together to share knowledge and protect cultural identity. By passing this resolution, the Minnesota Senate expresses gratitude to these groups and all Indigenous and Hmong culture bearers without altering any laws or government operations. The measure serves as a symbolic gesture to celebrate the importance of cultural continuity and community unity within the state.