New Iowa Population Profiles from State Data Center

New Iowa population profiles on the State Data Center's Web page at
http://www.iowadatacenter.org/Publications/Profiles:

• Profile of Older Iowans: May 2006

Older Americans Month originated with a presidential proclamation in May 1963 and has been proclaimed by presidents each year since. Last year, President Bush stated, "Older Americans teach us the timeless lessons of courage, sacrifice and love. By sharing their wisdom and experience, they serve as role models for future generations. During Older Americans Month, we pay tribute to our senior citizens and their contributions to our nation."

• Profile of Asian and Pacific Islanders in Iowa: May 2006

In 1978, a joint congressional resolution established Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. The first 10 days of May were chosen to coincide with two important milestones in Asian/Pacific American history: the arrival in the United States of the first Japanese immigrants (May 7, 1843) and contributions of Chinese workers to the building of the transcontinental railroad, completed on May 10, 1869. In 1992, Congress expanded the 10-day observance to a month-long celebration. In a 1997 Office of Management and Budget directive, the Asian or Pacific Islander racial category was separated into two different categories: "Asian" and "Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander."