A Senate resolution honoring Shongleng Yang

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Foung Hawj

Honors Shongleng Yang for founding Minnesota’s first Hmong-owned home health care business and leading community-empowering ventures that boost economic and cultural life.

Referred to Rules and Administration

Summary of SR 88 (2025-2026) — Minnesota Senate

Purpose and Intent

SR 88 is a Senate resolution honoring Shongleng Yang for his life’s work and impact on Minnesota’s Hmong community and broader state society.

The resolution recognizes Yang’s refugee journey from Laos to the United States, his entrepreneurial achievements, and his community leadership.

It expresses the Senate’s gratitude and admiration for his contributions to economic development, cultural preservation, and community empowerment.

Key Provisions and Changes

Acknowledges birthplace and upbringing (Xiangkhuang Province, Laos) and experiences as a refugee following the fall of Long Tieng (mid-1970s).

Documents Yang’s path to the United States (refugee status in 1980; settlement in Minnesota in 1986) and highlights his personal values (hard work, generosity, unity).

Credits Yang with:

Founding Minnesota’s first Hmong-owned home health care business (1995), serving multiple ethnic communities with dignity.
Co-founding the Hmong Village Shopping Center in St. Paul (2009), noted as an economic and cultural hub and source of empowerment for the Hmong community.
Leadership roles in organizations such as the Hmong American New Year, Yang Wang Meng Association of Minnesota, United Yang Family Organization, Neighborhood Development Center, and Frogtown Action Alliance.

Declares the Senate’s recognition of Yang’s lifetime resilience, leadership, and contributions to Minnesota’s economic and cultural prosperity.

Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare an enrolled copy of the resolution, authenticated by the Secretary and the Chair of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, and to transmit it to Shongleng Yang as an official symbol of appreciation.

Who Is Affected

Shongleng Yang is specifically honored.

The Senate and the State of Minnesota receive formal acknowledgment of his contributions.

The resolution serves as a ceremonial, symbolic recognition rather than creating enforceable policy or fiscal obligations.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduction and referral: Introduced and referred to the Rules and Administration Committee on May 16, 2026.

Sponsorship: Co-sponsored by Senator Foung Hawj (District 67).

The resolution is non-binding and ceremonial in nature; it does not impose new laws, funding, or regulatory requirements.

Next steps: Upon passage, the Secretary of the Senate would prepare an enrolled copy and transmit the resolution to Shongleng Yang.

Notable Details

The document provides a concise biographical narrative, outlining personal history, business ventures, and community leadership.

Reflects Minnesota’s recognition of immigrant and refugee contributions to state economic and cultural life.

This SR 88 serves as a formal, symbolic tribute to Shongleng Yang and his impact on Minnesota’s Hmong community and broader civic landscape.