1.1A Senate resolution
1.2honoring Pao Lee Vang for his contributions to his community and the state
1.3of Minnesota.
1.4WHEREAS, Pao Lee Vang was born on December 1, 1966, in Ban Dendin, Houaphan, in
1.5northern Laos to parents Kia Cha Vang and Chia Lor; and
1.6WHEREAS, on March 15, 1981, while visiting the capital city Vientiane, Pao and two other
1.7boys swam across the Mekong River. Pao hoped to join his brothers in the United States, and after
1.8two years in Ban Vinai Refugee Camp in Thailand, with the help of the MINOR program, he
1.9received political asylum in the United States; and
1.10WHEREAS, Pao arrived in St. Paul, Minnesota, in February 1984 and was reunited with
1.11his brothers, Chong Tong and Lee Paul, and lived in McDonough Homes; and
1.12WHEREAS, Pao graduated from Johnson High School in 1987 and finished his social work
1.13degree from Presentation College in South Dakota in 1989; and
1.14WHEREAS, Pao married his wife Chee Yang in 1989 and together they have three sons:
1.15Blong, Shueleng, and Tou Yeng; and two daughters: Mai Yer and Kabao; and
1.16WHEREAS, Pao served on the Ramsey County Sheriff Reserve Water Patrol from 2002 to
1.172014; and
1.18WHEREAS, from 2002 to 2005 Pao volunteered to be assistant to the scoutmaster for Boy
1.19Scout Troop 122 in St. Paul; and
1.20WHEREAS, from 2012 to the present, Pao has dedicated his life to gathering Hmong news
1.21for the community and started his own online channel, Hmoob Twin Cities News; and
1.22WHEREAS, Pao and his wife Chee Yang continue to dedicate their services and passions
1.23to help elders and people experiencing homelessness, to care for church members, and to be good
1.24role models for their kin; and
1.25NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the State of Minnesota that it
1.26honors Pao Lee Vang and his many years of outstanding service to his community and state.
1.27BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is directed to prepare an
1.28enrolled copy of this resolution, to be authenticated by the Secretary's signature and that of the
1.29Chair of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, and transmit it to Pao Lee Vang.

Cal R. LudemanSecretary of the Senate

Jeremy R. MillerChair, Senate Committee onRules and Administration

Foung HawjState Senator, District 67