Members of the AAPI community and elected officials celebrated after receiving an historic investment of $30 million in the state budget that will provide Asian-led organizations with the resources they need to better serve their communities.
This funding, successfully led by Senator Iwen Chu and Assembly member Grace Lee, Co-Chair of the Asian Pacific American (APA) Task Force, as part of the Senate and Assembly one-house budgets, is a response to the extraordinary needs of New York’s AAPI community and in recognition of the legislature’s responsibility to support and protect vulnerable New Yorkers.
The New York State Equity Budget Coalition said they’re grateful that state leadership allocated $30 million — an increase of $10 million from the funding allocated in last year’s budget — toward the AAPI Equity Budget Proposal.
“The New York State AAPI Equity Budget Coalition, a diverse group of over 100 AAPI-led and -serving organizations from across New York state, collectively fought for a budget that comprehensively targets the increased violence experienced by our communities, while providing resources to address the living conditions and safety nets of those most marginalized and in need of food access, mental health services, case management, and more,” the coalition said in a statement.
The AAPI community is the fastest-growing community in the state, with significant growth on Long Island and upstate, according to the coalition.
As the community is navigating multiple crises at once, the coalition said the historic funding is a “significant step in the right direction,” and looks forward to the continued work with policymakers to address the safety and wellness of its diverse AAPI communities.
Asian Americans are currently experiencing an unprecedented rise in hate, with anti-AAPI hate crimes in New York City rising by 361% in 2020 alone. Additionally, AAPI New Yorkers are still recovering from the disproportionate impacts suffered from COVID-19, as well as the long-term consequences of the historic underfunding of their neighborhoods and communities by the city and state.
The $30 million will be used to fund 100-plus AAPI organizations to support critical programs for AAPI communities that are uniquely suited to the needs of these communities and will build the capacity of local organizations to continue providing their services in the future.
The inclusion of this funding in the budget moves New York one step closer to a future where these communities are fully protected and supported. Although there is much to be done to achieve this goal, the coalition said the funding represents a significant achievement to addressing inequities that disadvantage AAPI communities across the state.
Queens lawmakers such as Senator John Liu, and Assembly members Zohran Mamdani, Jenifer Rajkumar and Steven Raga, said they have made significant progress by securing crucial funding for the community in the state budget.
“This investment goes beyond addressing injustices; it’s about creating a more equitable society for all. As we combat systemic discrimination, providing resources to uplift and protect the AAPI community is vital, and together, we’ll make tangible strides in New York State” Raga said.
According to Mamdani, the investments the lawmakers have put forward in the final state budget are a “historic step towards providing those very communities the resources they need to thrive.”
Liu said the historic funding is a clear demonstration of what the community is capable of when they’re united not just in number, but in principle.
“There are more Asian Americans than ever in the State Senate and Assembly, all of whom are fully engaged and steadfast in their advocacy on behalf of our communities,” Liu said. “We represent diverse districts with constituencies from around the globe, but our experiences as Asian Americans are similar, and our needs are the same as any other American – that of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Throughout our history in America, and especially in the post-pandemic world, those needs have grown to include a clear need for equality, justice and fairness, and our community-based organizations are best suited to work hand-in-hand with our varied AAPI communities through education, community outreach, language access, programs and services.”
Rajkumar said she is proud to join her AAPI Caucus colleagues in providing vital funding for community organizations, anti-violence work, campaigning against anti-Asian hate, language access, data disaggregation, and a host of other community investments.
“Together, we are going to reverse the rise of anti-Asian hate crimes, address health disparities, promote civic engagement, and give AAPI New Yorkers the seat at the table they earned,” Rajkumar said. “After passing the budget, our AAPI caucus will persevere by passing my bills to make Diwali a New York City school holiday and create the Asian American and Pacific Islander Commission.”
