State Rep. Salman Bhojani, D-HD92, swears in on a copy of the Quran the on the opening day of the 88th Legislative Session at the state Capitol in Austin on Jan. 10, 2022.

State Rep. Salman Bhojani, D-HD92, swears in on a copy of the Quran the on the opening day of the 88th Legislative Session at the state Capitol in Austin on Jan. 10, 2022.

State Rep. Salman Bhojani, D-HD92, speaks with Usama Malik, Resident Chaplin of Muslim Space, before participating in an interfaith ceremony the morning of the opening day of the 88th Legislative Session at the state Capitol in Austin.

State Rep. Salman Bhojani, D-HD92, speaks with Usama Malik, Resident Chaplin of Muslim Space, before participating in an interfaith ceremony the morning of the opening day of the 88th Legislative Session at the state Capitol in Austin.

State Rep. Salman Bhojani arrives at his office after meeting with supporters on the opening day of the 88th Legislative Session at the state Capitol in Austin.

State Rep. Salman Bhojani arrives at his office after meeting with supporters on the opening day of the 88th Legislative Session at the state Capitol in Austin.

The Qur'an that Rep. Salman Bhojani, D-HD92, had sworn in on is displayed at the state Capitol in Austin on Jan. 10, 2022. The Qur'an is opened to Chapter 49, Verse 13, which speaks about God creating humans into different groups so that they might

The Qur'an that Rep. Salman Bhojani, D-HD92, had sworn in on is displayed at the state Capitol in Austin on Jan. 10, 2022. The Qur'an is opened to Chapter 49, Verse 13, which speaks about God creating humans into different groups so that they might get to know one another and build cooperative relationships - despite their difference.

State Rep. Salman Bhojani quickly tries to eat a meal of falafel before continuing his busy schedule on the first day of the 88th Legislative session at the state Capitol in Austin on Jan. 10, 2022.

State Rep. Salman Bhojani quickly tries to eat a meal of falafel before continuing his busy schedule on the first day of the 88th Legislative session at the state Capitol in Austin on Jan. 10, 2022.

State Rep. Salman Bhojani waits while his son, Aarish, adjusts a pin on his suit before another set of photos at his office at the state Capitol in Austin on Jan. 10, 2022.

State Rep. Salman Bhojani waits while his son, Aarish, adjusts a pin on his suit before another set of photos at his office at the state Capitol in Austin on Jan. 10, 2022.

The name slot for state Rep. Salman Bhojani, D-HD92, on the voting board on the House floor on the opening day of the 88th Legislative Session at the state Capitol in Austin on Jan. 10, 2022.

The name slot for state Rep. Salman Bhojani, D-HD92, on the voting board on the House floor on the opening day of the 88th Legislative Session at the state Capitol in Austin on Jan. 10, 2022.

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Steven Wu and Sarah Syed of Woori Juntos listen to an aide of state Rep. Tom Oliverson, R-Cypress, in his office after pitching a proposal for legislation improving language access in health services at the state Capitol, on Feb. 9, 2023.

Steven Wu and Sarah Syed of Woori Juntos listen to an aide of state Rep. Tom Oliverson, R-Cypress, in his office after pitching a proposal for legislation improving language access in health services at the state Capitol, on Feb. 9, 2023.

An aide of state Rep. Tom Oliverson, R-Cypress, examines an info sheet while Sarah Syed explains their proposal to create language access plans for health services, on Feb. 9, 2023.

An aide of state Rep. Tom Oliverson, R-Cypress, examines an info sheet while Sarah Syed explains their proposal to create language access plans for health services, on Feb. 9, 2023.

Nicole Ma, Organizing and Policy Associate for Woori Juntos, waits in the office of state Rep. Tom Oliverson, R-Cypress, to share her own personal experiences navigating language barriers in health services on Feb. 9, 2023.

Nicole Ma, Organizing and Policy Associate for Woori Juntos, waits in the office of state Rep. Tom Oliverson, R-Cypress, to share her own personal experiences navigating language barriers in health services on Feb. 9, 2023.

Steven Wu hands an info sheet to an aide of state Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, about their proposal for creating language access plans for health services, at the state Capitol on Feb. 9, 2023.

Steven Wu hands an info sheet to an aide of state Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, about their proposal for creating language access plans for health services, at the state Capitol on Feb. 9, 2023.

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Myoung Ryoo, of Woori Juntos, removes his instrument after a cultural drumming performance prior to a press conference by the Texas Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Collective outside the state Capitol in Austin on March 9, 2023. His shirt rea

Myoung Ryoo, of Woori Juntos, removes his instrument after a cultural drumming performance prior to a press conference by the Texas Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Collective outside the state Capitol in Austin on March 9, 2023. His shirt reads “Your vote = Your power”.

Hyunja Norman, executive director of Woori Juntos, leads her group through the state Capitol rotunda as they make their way to their next lawmaker meeting on Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Advocacy Day on March 9, 2023. The group hoped to sp

Hyunja Norman, executive director of Woori Juntos, leads her group through the state Capitol rotunda as they make their way to their next lawmaker meeting on Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Advocacy Day on March 9, 2023. The group hoped to speak with lawmakers and seek support for bills that would improve language access for Korean and Spanish speakers in regard to health and social services.

Women members of Woori Juntos dance and play drums during a cultural performance after a press conference by the Texas Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Collective, outside the state Capitol in Austin on March 9, 2023.

Women members of Woori Juntos dance and play drums during a cultural performance after a press conference by the Texas Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Collective, outside the state Capitol in Austin on March 9, 2023.

Hyunja Norman, executive director of Woori Juntos, wears a button that reads "This Korean American votes" while advocating for bills to remove language barriers for Korean and Spanish speakers at the state Capitol in Austin on Asian American Pacific

Hyunja Norman, executive director of Woori Juntos, wears a button that reads "This Korean American votes" while advocating for bills to remove language barriers for Korean and Spanish speakers at the state Capitol in Austin on Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Advocacy Day on March 9, 2023.

Hyunja Norman, executive director of Woori Juntos, pauses to go over a game plan with her group before their first lawmaker meeting at the state Capitol in Austin on Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Advocacy Day on March 9, 2023. Norman points

Hyunja Norman, executive director of Woori Juntos, pauses to go over a game plan with her group before their first lawmaker meeting at the state Capitol in Austin on Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Advocacy Day on March 9, 2023. Norman points to each person, reminding them of talking points and to share their personal experiences navigating language barriers.

Members of Woori Juntos sing and play drums during a cultural performance after a press conference by the Texas Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Collective, outside the state Capitol in Austin on March 9, 2023.

Members of Woori Juntos sing and play drums during a cultural performance after a press conference by the Texas Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Collective, outside the state Capitol in Austin on March 9, 2023.

A member of Woori Juntos fans herself as she and others await an elevator to take them down to the state Capitol's extension level, after spending the day advocating for improved language access for Korean and Spanish speakers in regard to health an

A member of Woori Juntos fans herself as she and others await an elevator to take them down to the state Capitol's extension level, after spending the day advocating for improved language access for Korean and Spanish speakers in regard to health and social services, at the state Capitol in Austin on March 9, 2023.

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Stephen Wu waits in the back of the room while the Human Services committee comes to order in the early morning at the state Capitol in Austin on April 25, 2023.

Stephen Wu waits in the back of the room while the Human Services committee comes to order in the early morning at the state Capitol in Austin on April 25, 2023.

Woori Juntos service coordinator Terry Yun reviews her notes before testifying in support of HB 5166 in the Human Services committee at the state Capitol in Austin on April 25, 2023. The bill seeks to improve language access to state health programs

Woori Juntos service coordinator Terry Yun reviews her notes before testifying in support of HB 5166 in the Human Services committee at the state Capitol in Austin on April 25, 2023. The bill seeks to improve language access to state health programs, and would require the state’s health commission to translate benefit application forms and other important documents into key languages beyond English and Spanish.

Woori Juntos service coordinator Terry Yun reviews her notes before testifying in support of HB 5166 in the Human Services committee at the state Capitol in Austin on April 25, 2023. The bill seeks to improve language access to state health programs

Woori Juntos service coordinator Terry Yun reviews her notes before testifying in support of HB 5166 in the Human Services committee at the state Capitol in Austin on April 25, 2023. The bill seeks to improve language access to state health programs, and would require the state’s health commission to translate benefit application forms and other important documents into key languages beyond English and Spanish.

State Rep. James Frank, R-Wichita Falls, listens to testimony from Wafa Alatrakche and the translator who assisted her, during a Human Services committee hearing at the state Capitol in Austin on April 25, 2023. Alatrakche, who immigrated to the Uni

State Rep. James Frank, R-Wichita Falls, listens to testimony from Wafa Alatrakche and the translator who assisted her, during a Human Services committee hearing at the state Capitol in Austin on April 25, 2023. Alatrakche, who immigrated to the United States in 2004, spoke about the challenges she had navigating the technical writing found in health documents.

State Rep. Penny Morales Shaw, D-Houston, who sponsored HB 5166, speaks with Stephen Wu of Woori Juntos and Wafa Alatrakche, who gave testimony in support of the bill, after the bill was heard in a Human Services committee hearing at the state Capit

State Rep. Penny Morales Shaw, D-Houston, who sponsored HB 5166, speaks with Stephen Wu of Woori Juntos and Wafa Alatrakche, who gave testimony in support of the bill, after the bill was heard in a Human Services committee hearing at the state Capitol in Austin on April 25, 2023.

Members of Woori Juntos eat a small snack after attending the Human Services committee hearing, and review information on the lawmakers they will be meeting with later that day as they continue to lobby for better language access at the state Capito

Members of Woori Juntos eat a small snack after attending the Human Services committee hearing, and review information on the lawmakers they will be meeting with later that day as they continue to lobby for better language access at the state Capitol in Austin on April 25, 2023

Steven Wu and Nicole Ma wave goodbye to the Houston-bound bus of Woori Juntos members, as they leave the state Capitol after a long day of advocating for improved language access on March 9, 2023.

Steven Wu and Nicole Ma wave goodbye to the Houston-bound bus of Woori Juntos members, as they leave the state Capitol after a long day of advocating for improved language access on March 9, 2023.

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Nicole Ma, Steven Wu, and Quỳnh-Hương Nguyễn of Woori Juntos set up their laptops to catch up on emails and online meetings at the Capitol Grill while they wait for the Senate to convene after trying to meet with the office of Dade Phelan, the House

Nicole Ma, Steven Wu, and Quỳnh-Hương Nguyễn of Woori Juntos set up their laptops to catch up on emails and online meetings at the Capitol Grill while they wait for the Senate to convene after trying to meet with the office of Dade Phelan, the House Speaker, and various senators in the state Capitol in Austin on May 22, 2023. The Woori Juntos organizers have shifted focus for the remaining time in the Legislative session, to begin cultivating potential alliances for the next session and by trying to get an Interim Charge study for their main issue, relating to increasing language accessibility for Texans in state health programs.

A calendar with the month of May, the last of the session, hangs open behind Steven Wu of Woori Juntos as he speaks with an aide of Rep. Penny Morales Shaw, D-Houston, who sponsored their bill earlier in the session, at her office in the state Capit

A calendar with the month of May, the last of the session, hangs open behind Steven Wu of Woori Juntos as he speaks with an aide of Rep. Penny Morales Shaw, D-Houston, who sponsored their bill earlier in the session, at her office in the state Capitol in Austin, on May 22, 2023. The Woori Juntos group asked whether Shaw had considered sponsoring their bill for the next session, and if that wasn't the case, whether it would be alright to begin looking for another sponsor.

Nicole Ma, Steven Wu, and Quỳnh-Hương Nguyễn of Woori Juntos watch from the Senate gallery as they wait to hear the votes on HB 7 and HB 800, in the state Capitol in Austin on May 22, 2023. The Woori Juntos organizers have shifted focus for the rema

Nicole Ma, Steven Wu, and Quỳnh-Hương Nguyễn of Woori Juntos watch from the Senate gallery as they wait to hear the votes on HB 7 and HB 800, in the state Capitol in Austin on May 22, 2023. The Woori Juntos organizers have shifted focus for the remaining time in the Legislative session. and are hoping that helping to stop these bills would help them begin building alliances with other organizations for next session.

Group 1, led by Hyunja Norman, the executive director of Woori Juntos, huddle and cheer together before heading out to meet with lawmakers to seek support for bills that would improve language access for Korean and Spanish speakers in regard to heal

Group 1, led by Hyunja Norman, the executive director of Woori Juntos, huddle and cheer together before heading out to meet with lawmakers to seek support for bills that would improve language access for Korean and Spanish speakers in regard to health and social services, on Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Advocacy Day at the state Capitol in Austin on March 9, 2023.

Steven Wu, Nicole Ma and Quỳnh-Hương Nguyễn of Woori Juntos wave goodbye to the photographer, as they prepare to leave the rotunda of the state Capitol in Austin on May 22, 2023.

Steven Wu, Nicole Ma and Quỳnh-Hương Nguyễn of Woori Juntos wave goodbye to the photographer, as they prepare to leave the rotunda of the state Capitol in Austin on May 22, 2023.

State Rep. Salman Bhojani, D-HD92, swears in on a copy of the Quran the on the opening day of the 88th Legislative Session at the state Capitol in Austin on Jan. 10, 2022.
State Rep. Salman Bhojani, D-HD92, speaks with Usama Malik, Resident Chaplin of Muslim Space, before participating in an interfaith ceremony the morning of the opening day of the 88th Legislative Session at the state Capitol in Austin.
State Rep. Salman Bhojani arrives at his office after meeting with supporters on the opening day of the 88th Legislative Session at the state Capitol in Austin.
The Qur'an that Rep. Salman Bhojani, D-HD92, had sworn in on is displayed at the state Capitol in Austin on Jan. 10, 2022. The Qur'an is opened to Chapter 49, Verse 13, which speaks about God creating humans into different groups so that they might
State Rep. Salman Bhojani quickly tries to eat a meal of falafel before continuing his busy schedule on the first day of the 88th Legislative session at the state Capitol in Austin on Jan. 10, 2022.
State Rep. Salman Bhojani waits while his son, Aarish, adjusts a pin on his suit before another set of photos at his office at the state Capitol in Austin on Jan. 10, 2022.
The name slot for state Rep. Salman Bhojani, D-HD92, on the voting board on the House floor on the opening day of the 88th Legislative Session at the state Capitol in Austin on Jan. 10, 2022.
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Steven Wu and Sarah Syed of Woori Juntos listen to an aide of state Rep. Tom Oliverson, R-Cypress, in his office after pitching a proposal for legislation improving language access in health services at the state Capitol, on Feb. 9, 2023.
An aide of state Rep. Tom Oliverson, R-Cypress, examines an info sheet while Sarah Syed explains their proposal to create language access plans for health services, on Feb. 9, 2023.
Nicole Ma, Organizing and Policy Associate for Woori Juntos, waits in the office of state Rep. Tom Oliverson, R-Cypress, to share her own personal experiences navigating language barriers in health services on Feb. 9, 2023.
Steven Wu hands an info sheet to an aide of state Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, about their proposal for creating language access plans for health services, at the state Capitol on Feb. 9, 2023.
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Myoung Ryoo, of Woori Juntos, removes his instrument after a cultural drumming performance prior to a press conference by the Texas Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Collective outside the state Capitol in Austin on March 9, 2023. His shirt rea
Hyunja Norman, executive director of Woori Juntos, leads her group through the state Capitol rotunda as they make their way to their next lawmaker meeting on Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Advocacy Day on March 9, 2023. The group hoped to sp
Women members of Woori Juntos dance and play drums during a cultural performance after a press conference by the Texas Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Collective, outside the state Capitol in Austin on March 9, 2023.
Hyunja Norman, executive director of Woori Juntos, wears a button that reads "This Korean American votes" while advocating for bills to remove language barriers for Korean and Spanish speakers at the state Capitol in Austin on Asian American Pacific
Hyunja Norman, executive director of Woori Juntos, pauses to go over a game plan with her group before their first lawmaker meeting at the state Capitol in Austin on Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Advocacy Day on March 9, 2023. Norman points
Members of Woori Juntos sing and play drums during a cultural performance after a press conference by the Texas Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Collective, outside the state Capitol in Austin on March 9, 2023.
A member of Woori Juntos fans herself as she and others await an elevator to take them down to the state Capitol's extension level, after spending the day advocating for improved language access for Korean and Spanish speakers in regard to health an
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Stephen Wu waits in the back of the room while the Human Services committee comes to order in the early morning at the state Capitol in Austin on April 25, 2023.
Woori Juntos service coordinator Terry Yun reviews her notes before testifying in support of HB 5166 in the Human Services committee at the state Capitol in Austin on April 25, 2023. The bill seeks to improve language access to state health programs
Woori Juntos service coordinator Terry Yun reviews her notes before testifying in support of HB 5166 in the Human Services committee at the state Capitol in Austin on April 25, 2023. The bill seeks to improve language access to state health programs
State Rep. James Frank, R-Wichita Falls, listens to testimony from Wafa Alatrakche and the translator who assisted her, during a Human Services committee hearing at the state Capitol in Austin on April 25, 2023. Alatrakche, who immigrated to the Uni
State Rep. Penny Morales Shaw, D-Houston, who sponsored HB 5166, speaks with Stephen Wu of Woori Juntos and Wafa Alatrakche, who gave testimony in support of the bill, after the bill was heard in a Human Services committee hearing at the state Capit
Members of Woori Juntos eat a small snack after attending the Human Services committee hearing, and review information on the lawmakers they will be meeting with later that day as they continue to lobby for better language access at the state Capito
Steven Wu and Nicole Ma wave goodbye to the Houston-bound bus of Woori Juntos members, as they leave the state Capitol after a long day of advocating for improved language access on March 9, 2023.
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Nicole Ma, Steven Wu, and Quỳnh-Hương Nguyễn of Woori Juntos set up their laptops to catch up on emails and online meetings at the Capitol Grill while they wait for the Senate to convene after trying to meet with the office of Dade Phelan, the House
A calendar with the month of May, the last of the session, hangs open behind Steven Wu of Woori Juntos as he speaks with an aide of Rep. Penny Morales Shaw, D-Houston, who sponsored their bill earlier in the session, at her office in the state Capit
Nicole Ma, Steven Wu, and Quỳnh-Hương Nguyễn of Woori Juntos watch from the Senate gallery as they wait to hear the votes on HB 7 and HB 800, in the state Capitol in Austin on May 22, 2023. The Woori Juntos organizers have shifted focus for the rema
Group 1, led by Hyunja Norman, the executive director of Woori Juntos, huddle and cheer together before heading out to meet with lawmakers to seek support for bills that would improve language access for Korean and Spanish speakers in regard to heal
Steven Wu, Nicole Ma and Quỳnh-Hương Nguyễn of Woori Juntos wave goodbye to the photographer, as they prepare to leave the rotunda of the state Capitol in Austin on May 22, 2023.

State Rep. Salman Bhojani, D-HD92, swears in on a copy of the Quran the on the opening day of the 88th Legislative Session at the state Capitol in Austin on Jan. 10, 2022.

State Rep. Salman Bhojani, D-HD92, speaks with Usama Malik, Resident Chaplin of Muslim Space, before participating in an interfaith ceremony the morning of the opening day of the 88th Legislative Session at the state Capitol in Austin.

State Rep. Salman Bhojani arrives at his office after meeting with supporters on the opening day of the 88th Legislative Session at the state Capitol in Austin.

The Qur'an that Rep. Salman Bhojani, D-HD92, had sworn in on is displayed at the state Capitol in Austin on Jan. 10, 2022. The Qur'an is opened to Chapter 49, Verse 13, which speaks about God creating humans into different groups so that they might get to know one another and build cooperative relationships - despite their difference.

State Rep. Salman Bhojani quickly tries to eat a meal of falafel before continuing his busy schedule on the first day of the 88th Legislative session at the state Capitol in Austin on Jan. 10, 2022.

State Rep. Salman Bhojani waits while his son, Aarish, adjusts a pin on his suit before another set of photos at his office at the state Capitol in Austin on Jan. 10, 2022.

The name slot for state Rep. Salman Bhojani, D-HD92, on the voting board on the House floor on the opening day of the 88th Legislative Session at the state Capitol in Austin on Jan. 10, 2022.

Steven Wu and Sarah Syed of Woori Juntos listen to an aide of state Rep. Tom Oliverson, R-Cypress, in his office after pitching a proposal for legislation improving language access in health services at the state Capitol, on Feb. 9, 2023.

An aide of state Rep. Tom Oliverson, R-Cypress, examines an info sheet while Sarah Syed explains their proposal to create language access plans for health services, on Feb. 9, 2023.

Nicole Ma, Organizing and Policy Associate for Woori Juntos, waits in the office of state Rep. Tom Oliverson, R-Cypress, to share her own personal experiences navigating language barriers in health services on Feb. 9, 2023.

Steven Wu hands an info sheet to an aide of state Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, about their proposal for creating language access plans for health services, at the state Capitol on Feb. 9, 2023.

Myoung Ryoo, of Woori Juntos, removes his instrument after a cultural drumming performance prior to a press conference by the Texas Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Collective outside the state Capitol in Austin on March 9, 2023. His shirt reads “Your vote = Your power”.

Hyunja Norman, executive director of Woori Juntos, leads her group through the state Capitol rotunda as they make their way to their next lawmaker meeting on Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Advocacy Day on March 9, 2023. The group hoped to speak with lawmakers and seek support for bills that would improve language access for Korean and Spanish speakers in regard to health and social services.

Women members of Woori Juntos dance and play drums during a cultural performance after a press conference by the Texas Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Collective, outside the state Capitol in Austin on March 9, 2023.

Hyunja Norman, executive director of Woori Juntos, wears a button that reads "This Korean American votes" while advocating for bills to remove language barriers for Korean and Spanish speakers at the state Capitol in Austin on Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Advocacy Day on March 9, 2023.

Hyunja Norman, executive director of Woori Juntos, pauses to go over a game plan with her group before their first lawmaker meeting at the state Capitol in Austin on Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Advocacy Day on March 9, 2023. Norman points to each person, reminding them of talking points and to share their personal experiences navigating language barriers.

Members of Woori Juntos sing and play drums during a cultural performance after a press conference by the Texas Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Collective, outside the state Capitol in Austin on March 9, 2023.

A member of Woori Juntos fans herself as she and others await an elevator to take them down to the state Capitol's extension level, after spending the day advocating for improved language access for Korean and Spanish speakers in regard to health and social services, at the state Capitol in Austin on March 9, 2023.

Stephen Wu waits in the back of the room while the Human Services committee comes to order in the early morning at the state Capitol in Austin on April 25, 2023.

Woori Juntos service coordinator Terry Yun reviews her notes before testifying in support of HB 5166 in the Human Services committee at the state Capitol in Austin on April 25, 2023. The bill seeks to improve language access to state health programs, and would require the state’s health commission to translate benefit application forms and other important documents into key languages beyond English and Spanish.

Woori Juntos service coordinator Terry Yun reviews her notes before testifying in support of HB 5166 in the Human Services committee at the state Capitol in Austin on April 25, 2023. The bill seeks to improve language access to state health programs, and would require the state’s health commission to translate benefit application forms and other important documents into key languages beyond English and Spanish.

State Rep. James Frank, R-Wichita Falls, listens to testimony from Wafa Alatrakche and the translator who assisted her, during a Human Services committee hearing at the state Capitol in Austin on April 25, 2023. Alatrakche, who immigrated to the United States in 2004, spoke about the challenges she had navigating the technical writing found in health documents.

State Rep. Penny Morales Shaw, D-Houston, who sponsored HB 5166, speaks with Stephen Wu of Woori Juntos and Wafa Alatrakche, who gave testimony in support of the bill, after the bill was heard in a Human Services committee hearing at the state Capitol in Austin on April 25, 2023.

Members of Woori Juntos eat a small snack after attending the Human Services committee hearing, and review information on the lawmakers they will be meeting with later that day as they continue to lobby for better language access at the state Capitol in Austin on April 25, 2023

Steven Wu and Nicole Ma wave goodbye to the Houston-bound bus of Woori Juntos members, as they leave the state Capitol after a long day of advocating for improved language access on March 9, 2023.

Nicole Ma, Steven Wu, and Quỳnh-Hương Nguyễn of Woori Juntos set up their laptops to catch up on emails and online meetings at the Capitol Grill while they wait for the Senate to convene after trying to meet with the office of Dade Phelan, the House Speaker, and various senators in the state Capitol in Austin on May 22, 2023. The Woori Juntos organizers have shifted focus for the remaining time in the Legislative session, to begin cultivating potential alliances for the next session and by trying to get an Interim Charge study for their main issue, relating to increasing language accessibility for Texans in state health programs.

A calendar with the month of May, the last of the session, hangs open behind Steven Wu of Woori Juntos as he speaks with an aide of Rep. Penny Morales Shaw, D-Houston, who sponsored their bill earlier in the session, at her office in the state Capitol in Austin, on May 22, 2023. The Woori Juntos group asked whether Shaw had considered sponsoring their bill for the next session, and if that wasn't the case, whether it would be alright to begin looking for another sponsor.

Nicole Ma, Steven Wu, and Quỳnh-Hương Nguyễn of Woori Juntos watch from the Senate gallery as they wait to hear the votes on HB 7 and HB 800, in the state Capitol in Austin on May 22, 2023. The Woori Juntos organizers have shifted focus for the remaining time in the Legislative session. and are hoping that helping to stop these bills would help them begin building alliances with other organizations for next session.

Group 1, led by Hyunja Norman, the executive director of Woori Juntos, huddle and cheer together before heading out to meet with lawmakers to seek support for bills that would improve language access for Korean and Spanish speakers in regard to health and social services, on Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Advocacy Day at the state Capitol in Austin on March 9, 2023.

Steven Wu, Nicole Ma and Quỳnh-Hương Nguyễn of Woori Juntos wave goodbye to the photographer, as they prepare to leave the rotunda of the state Capitol in Austin on May 22, 2023.

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