US state makes New Year move

California senators Scott Wiener and Richard Pan have introduced a new bill to officially recognize the Lunar New Year and encourage awareness of the day's cultural significance to people of Asian descent in the state.

Senate Bill 892 designates the Lunar New Year a day of special significance in California and requires the governor to honor it annually.

The bill also encourages all public schools and educational institutions to conduct exercises recognizing the traditions and cultural significance of Lunar New Year, the contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander Californians to the state and any local festivities and celebrations for the occasion.