Equity Budget Coalition Celebrates New York State’s $30 Million Investment in AAPI Communities
CACF’s Co-Executive Director Vanessa Leung speaks at May 26 presser with our legislative champions. (Photo: Clifford Temprosa)
NEW YORK (May 26, 2023) -- The New York State Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Equity Budget Coalition (EBC) and our legislative champions celebrated the historic win of a $30 million investment in the FY 2023-24 New York State Budget to support critical services for New York’s AAPI communities at a press conference in Lower Manhattan on Friday. This funding, successfully advocated for by the Equity Budget Coalition (EBC), will go towards supporting more than 100 AAPI-led and -serving organizations from across New York who provide critical resources needed to combat hate and support the safety and wellness of our communities.
Specifically, this hard-fought funding will go towards a funding plan that not only equitably supports AAPI community-based organizations providing culturally responsive and linguistically competent services, but also addresses the systemic violence, racism, discrimination faced by AAPI communities. In addressing the systemic underfunding of our community at the State-level, this investment is a result of the tireless advocacy of organizations providing resources to address the living conditions and support the safety nets of those most marginalized and in need of food access, mental health services, case management, and more.
“For too long, AAPI communities have been overlooked, underfunded, and underrepresented. New York State is making the right progress with this historic-level funding of $30 Million. In the past few years, anti-Asian hate crimes skyrocketed nearly 400%. No community deserves to live in fear of hate and violence. There were seniors in my district afraid to take the subway and parents afraid to send their kids to school. The funding passed in the State budget will combat hate crimes and Anti-AAPI violence. Additionally, I am fighting alongside my AAPI State Legislators to pass S5963, which would implement AAPI curriculum for public schools. Let’s raise the awareness of AAPI history and culture at a young age and spread acceptance. This historic funding will build on the work organizations have done on the ground in communities to deliver adult literacy, youth education, senior programs, community development, and necessary social services,” said NYS Senator Iwen Chu. “It is finally time New York State recognize the needs of the AAPI community and support long term prevention and solutions. It was an honor to lead and win this fight with my colleagues in the Senate and Assembly. I thank the Equity Budget Coalition and all advocates for their work to achieve this historical achievement. This is an important step, but our fight does not stop here. We must continue to work with AAPI leaders and organizations to adequately meet the needs of our communities.”
“This funding marks the start of an important chapter for New York’s AAPI community,” said Assemblymember Grace Lee, Co-Chair of the New York Assembly’s Asian Pacific American (APA) Task Force. “For far too long, New York has failed to give us recognition and support, and our needs have gone unmet and underfunded. Standing here today, there is real reason to believe that we have reached a turning point. This year, we have the most AAPI legislators we have ever had in New York, and it has translated into real accomplishments for our community. $30 million in funding is a historic number, and it shows New York’s AAPI community that they are seen and their voices are heard. It will be used to build culturally-competent, language-accessible services that give AAPI communities support systems uniquely suited for their neighborhoods. This victory would not have been possible without the support of Governor Hochul, Speaker Heastie and Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins; the teamwork of my Asian Pacific American Task Force Co-Chair Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani and Senators Iwen Chu and John Liu; and the advocacy of the Equity Budget Coalition.”
State Senator John Liu stated, “This year’s historic investment in AAPI communities is a stark reminder of what is possible when our community is united in purpose, activism and advocacy. AAPI communities have long faced systemic discrimination and challenges that were made considerably worse by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent scapegoating by fear mongers like former President Trump who fueled anti-Asian hatred with terms like ‘Kung Flu’ and ‘China Virus.’ Our community-based organizations handled that fallout fearlessly with characteristic integrity, but were stretched thin by limited resources. This investment seeks to bolster programming and services across the board for hundreds of community-based organizations, but it is important to remember that this is only the start. As the fastest growing population in the nation, we must commit to sustained support and engagement to ensure long-term progress for our AAPI families and the organizations that work day and night to support them.”
“The Assembly Majority is committed to providing support to AAPI New Yorkers and their communities that have faced an increase in hate and violence over recent years,” Speaker Carl Heastie said. “The funding in our budget invests in programs that would ensure access to mental health care, and in community organizations that are doing hard work in our communities to combat discrimination and hate.”
"I am deeply thrilled to announce the historic allocation of $30 million in this year's state budget, marking a historic investment in the prosperity and well-being of our AAPI communities in New York State,” said Assemblymember Steven Raga. “This funding is more than just financial support; it's a recognition of the invaluable contributions that the AAPI community brings to the socio-cultural and economic fabric of our state. We will ensure that these funds catalyze meaningful progress, reinforcing our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion for all New Yorkers."
“I am proud to stand with the Equity Budget Coalition in celebrating this historic investment that will pave the way forward for a more equitable and inclusive future for our state. The budget provides critical aid to the organizations working on the frontlines to serve our AAPI communities with dedicated, culturally-responsive, and accessible services and programming. As we face our most urgent challenges head-on, from fighting the scourge of anti-Asian hate to combating food and housing insecurity, this investment will be critical in ensuring our AAPI communities are not left behind and meeting the growing needs with resources, investment, and comprehensive care. I want to thank the Asian Pacific American Task Force for their leadership, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, my colleagues in both houses, and all of the coalition partners and advocates who have played a pivotal role in this historic win,” said State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey.
“I was proud to fight alongside my colleagues on the APA Task Force to secure $30 million for the AAPI Equity Budget, which will serve to combat the rise in bias-related crimes and better meet the needs of Asian American and Pacific Islander New Yorkers. I celebrate this historic funding investment, which is earmarked to support AAPI social service programs, crisis intervention and community-based programming throughout New York State. I thank Senators Liu and Chu and Assemblywoman Lee for their leadership in securing these critical funds,” said Assemblymember Edward Braunstein.
"Our 2.1 million AAPI New Yorkers are an integral part of New York’s success and diversity. We are glad to see an increased investment for AAPI communities in the FY2024 budget,” said Assemblymember Harvey Epstein. “With the rise in anti-Asian hate, it’s important to provide resources for our AAPI New Yorkers to feel safe and supported, and this funding will allow for more community based programs to combat bias and crisis intervention programs that will uplift our AAPI communities."
“I’m thrilled to join other Asian Pacific Task Force Members, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) legislators, and a coalition of over 150 AAPI-led and serving nonprofits across New York State to celebrate the historic $30 million investment in AAPI communities in the FY2024 New York State Budget,” said Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas. “I represent diverse and vibrant AAPI communities that continue to face discrimination and have many unmet needs. The funding from this year’s budget will help uplift these communities in a culturally appropriate way and empower AAPI-led organizations to continue serving their communities. Thank you to my colleagues in the legislature and all of the advocates who helped make this historic $30 Million a reality. We know this is a down payment because next year we are coming back for more.”
“It is essential to acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable contributions, rich culture, and remarkable history of our AAPI communities.” said Assemblymember Gina Sillitti. “This significant boost in funding is a crucial step in combating Asian hate that continues to plague our society, and serves as a catalyst for promoting equity and ensuring a brighter future for our AAPI community.”
Members of the Equity Budget Coalition pose with our legislative champions.
“We are grateful for the legislature allocating $30 million dollars to the NYS AAPI Equity Budget Coalition (EBC). The EBC is a diverse group of over 100 AAPI-led and -serving organizations across New York State — this funding not only comprehensively targets the increased violence experienced by our communities, but also provides resources to guarantee the living conditions and safety nets of those most marginalized through food justice, mental health, case management, immigration, and more,” said Anita Gundanna and Vanessa Leung, Co-Executive Directors of the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families. “For far too long, AAPI communities have been historically underfunded and excluded from policy-making and funding decisions. Through this investment into our diverse communities, we are committed to continue fighting for holistic community-based solutions to address the rise in anti-Asian violence. We are excited to continue working together with New York State to continue advocating for the safety and wellness of our diverse AAPI communities together.”
“The AAPI community of our State is simultaneously dealing with a crisis of xenophobic violence and an inequitable post-pandemic recovery. Our most vulnerable community members are desperately seeking out language-accessible and culturally-competent services from providers rooted in our communities,” Asian American Federation Executive Director Jo-Ann Yoo said. “After tireless advocacy and the hard work of our legislators, we’re grateful that $30 million in urgently needed funds are coming to AAPI-serving community-based organizations across the State who are serving on the frontlines of multiple crises.”
“The AAPI Equity Fund has bolstered our capacity to assist the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Thomas Yu, executive director of Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE). “They include Asian American families and older adults directly impacted by violent acts of AAPI hate. The fund has supported our efforts to secure safe affordable housing for these families and to provide an array of essential services, including financial stabilization assistance, health care, mental health services, access to culturally appropriate food and personal safety training.”
"We thank the Governor and State Legislature, particularly Senator Chu and Assemblymember Lee, for the historic commitment of $30 million in funding specifically for AAPI led and serving community-based organizations across the state. This is an important step towards addressing urgent and growing community needs," said Wayne Ho, President & CEO of the Chinese-American Planning Council. "The inclusion of the AAPI Equity Budget in the final State Budget will support critical programs on community safety, food insecurity, mental health, civic engagement, and more in immigrant and low-income communities. We thank our Equity Budget Coalition partners for their leadership and commitment to AAPI New Yorkers."
“Hamilton-Madison House would like to thank our legislative champions, our Equity Budget Coalition co-leads the Asian American Federation and the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families, and all our fellow Equity Budget Coalition members for their tireless advocacy that has culminated in this historic $30MM investment in our communities. This funding could not come at a more critical time for our Chinatown and Lower East Side - based non-profit organization. Hamilton-Madison House holds the distinction of operating the second-largest mental health clinic specializing in Asian Americans in the United States, serving more than 600 clients a year in 6 languages and 7 dialects. If it were not for this timely funding, we would have to consider shutting our clinic doors tomorrow. This historic allocation allows us to live on and fight another day for the well-being of our community, until we see policy changes and consistent, sustainable funding at the federal, state and city level for culturally- and linguistically-competent mental health clinics like ours,” said Isabel Ching, Executive Director of Hamilton-Madison House.
"Today marks a significant milestone in our commitment to empower and uplift the AAPI community. With a transformative $30 million investment, Governor Hochul and our legislative champions have demonstrated their unwavering dedication to fostering inclusivity, equality, and economic growth. This historic funding will pave the way for meaningful change, fueling initiatives that address the unique challenges faced by our AAPI community members,” said Jeehae Fischer, Executive Director of Korean American Family Service Center (KAFSC). “Our journey toward progress doesn't end here. We recognize the importance of continued support to sustain and expand the impact of our work. We call upon our allies, community leaders, and stakeholders to join us in this endeavor. Together, let us advocate for sustained investment, engage in meaningful dialogue, and drive initiatives that create lasting change. The $30 million investment is a powerful catalyst, but it is only the beginning. By harnessing the collective strength of our community and fostering partnerships across sectors, we can ensure that the AAPI community thrives, unlocking its full potential and forging a path toward a more inclusive and equitable future. Together, let us champion this cause and build a legacy of progress for generations to come."
“At UA3, we couldn’t have done without the State’s AAPI funds this year. From expanding the selection at our Community First Food Pantry based in Lower East Side to include more culturally appropriate fruit and vegetable choices, and running nutritional information workshops for seniors that build community and reduce isolation, to introducing Safety Watch Teams in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn to fight anti-Asian hate and reassure residents, we relied heavily on the generous AAPI allocation. On behalf of all the people we work to help, UA3 is profoundly grateful to all the legislators who made these programs possible,” said Chi Loek, Executive Director of UA3.
