NEW YORK (January 17, 2023) -- On Tuesday, January 16th, both Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams released their preliminary budget proposals for NY State and NY City. The Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF) is concerned that the Governor's NY State Executive Budget Proposal omits a comprehensive investment towards combating racism, systemic violence, discrimination, and that supports upward mobility for our AAPI communities.  

Last year, thanks to the continuous and united advocacy of the 100+ community-based organizations that make up the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Equity Budget Coalition, AAPI communities in New York State won a historic $30 million investment from the FY2024 State budget. That historic victory, which provides critical resources for those New Yorkers who struggle the most, should be just the start of New York State's sustained commitment to its AAPI residents and neighborhoods. It is our hope that the Governor will not only restore the funding for AAPI communities back into the State budget, but also increase funding levels to expand the impact for all AAPI-led and -serving organizations.

Mayor Adams’ NY City budget has unnecessarily disinvested in the social safety net so many families across NYC rely on. CACF is disappointed in Mayor Adams' approach to care for asylum seekers. We do not support the Mayor’s approach to blaming asylum seekers for why we need additional cuts to services, especially when responsible and effective management of City dollars could support those in need. Our City cannot continue to pull money away from public education and essential services that cater to our most vulnerable communities. 

AAPIs are the fastest growing population in NY State. Contrary to the model minority myth, AAPI New Yorkers face high levels of poverty and limited-English proficiency, yet we continue to be overlooked, underrepresented, and — importantly — under-resourced. We are looking to our leaders in both the State and City to prioritize substantial investments for our communities and important education programs currently funded with expiring federal dollars – programs that would otherwise have to close on their watch. 

Our State and City leaders must center their decision-making on the growing needs of children and families across New York, including AAPIs – a community that continues to be disenfranchised by historic exclusion – instead of prioritizing the needs of New York’s wealthiest residents. 

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For more information, please contact Sarah Kaplan at skaplan@rubenstein.com or 917-843-9792 or Melissa Kees at melissa@relentlessaware.com or 518-813-4905.

About The Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF):

The Coalition for Asian American Children and Families is the only pan-Asian children and families’ advocacy organization in the United States and brings together community-based organizations as well as youth and community allies to fight for equity for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. cacf.org