ALBANY, NY — On Tuesday, February 25th, Assemblymember Grace Lee, Chair of the New York State Assembly Asian Pacific American (APA) Task Force, Senator John Liu, APA Task Force members, and representatives from the Equity Budget Coalition, held a press conference at the Million Dollar Staircase at the State Capitol to call for critical funds for the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community to remain in the state budget.

AAPI communities, constituting over 11% of New York State’s population, are the state's fastest-growing demographic group. Despite the ‘model minority’ myth, nearly one-third of New York City’s AAPI population is low-income. Historical underfunding hinders AAPI community-based organizations from meeting the diverse community needs.

Assemblymember Lee, Senator Liu, the APA Task Force, and the Equity Budget Coalition are urging the Governor, Speaker, and Majority Leader to allocate $54.35 million to support the AAPI community. $52 million will go towards funding for over 150 nonprofits across New York State working on the ground in Asian communities. An additional $2 million will be dedicated to funding for the Asian American & Asian Research Institute (AAARI) at CUNY, and $350,000 for the continued funding of the SUNY Asian Leadership Institute.

“For far too long, Asian American communities throughout New York State have faced disenfranchisement,” said APA Task Force Chair, Assemblymember Grace Lee. “In the past two years, our dedicated coalition of legislators and community organizations has made significant progress, securing historic funding in the state budget. However, the demand for resources continues to outpace available support. This year, we are advocating for $54.35 million to fund community-based organizations that deliver critical services that are culturally competent and language-accessible to Asian New Yorkers.”

State Senator John Liu stated, "Asian American communities throughout New York have faced systemic underfunding despite being one of the fastest-growing populations in our state. Our budget must ensure that the resources our communities desperately need, such as education, public safety, language access, and small business needs, are not overlooked. Since the pandemic, AAPI communities have experienced a surge of anti-Asian hatred, and we must counter it with increased investment that will provide stronger protections for all."

“The AAPI community is the fastest growing population across all of New York State,” said Senator Jeremy Cooney. “It’s our responsibility to support these growing communities, and make sure that from community development to combating hate crimes, we are giving them the resources they need to succeed. Last year we secured $30 million for the AAPI community, and I’m committed to making sure we deliver big once again this year.”

Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar stated, “As the first South Asian-American woman ever elected to New York State Office, I join with my APA Task Force colleagues to fight for $54.35 million in funding for the AAPI community. The Asian-American community is the fastest-growing community in the State, and the annual budget will recognize our needs. The funding will infuse our AAPI organizations with vital support to promote our welfare, safety, and culture. At a time when anti-AAPI hate crimes have increased 66% since the presidential election, this investment will promote peace and respect for AAPI New Yorkers. This builds upon my work with the APA Task Force that was essential to passing my historic bills to make Diwali a public-school holiday, as well as my bill to create the first-ever New York State Asian American and Pacific Islander Commission.”

"This year's budget must reflect our commitment to the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in our state. The allocation of $52 million to on-the-ground nonprofits, $2 million in increased funding for CUNY's Asian American & Asian Research Institute, and $350,000 for continued support for the SUNY Asian Leadership Institute will ensure that these organizations are able to continue working to improve the lives of those within the AAPI community across New York," said Assembly Member Harvey Epstein.

“As the proud representative of a diverse district, which includes several Asian American communities, I recognize the difference it makes to invest in programs developed for our marginalized communities. Each of our communities experience unique barriers and require a variety of solutions. Funding for AAPI communities is essential for our progress as a state. This crucial funding request supports our ability to build a more equitable and safer New York by supporting the community-based organizations we rely on to deliver culturally relevant social and health services and programs. I am proud to be a part of the Asian Pacific American Task Force and grateful for the task force’s leadership on this work," said Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas.

Assemblymember Sarah Clark stated, "As an Asian American Task Force member in the legislature, and an Assemblymember representing a growing APA community in Rochester, I am proud to stand with my colleagues in calling for the inclusion of AAPI funding in the FY 2025-26 state budget. It’s critical we break the cycle of underfunding for Asian American New Yorkers, who are facing increasing threats in communities nationwide, and who struggle to have basic needs met as a result of widespread biases and disinvestment nationally."

“AAPI communities, the fastest-growing population group, continue to face an unprecedented wave of anti-Asian violence and rising challenges in education, language access and other areas. Yet they remain systemically underfunded,” said Assembly Member Rebecca A. Seawright, Member of the Asian Pacific American (APA) Task Force. “It’s never been more imperative for a budget that acknowledges their diverse needs and provides critical support: for nonprofits who serve AAPI New Yorkers where they live; for community and policy research institutes at CUNY and SUNY, and for increased protections against anti-Asian bigotry.I am thankful to Assembly Member and APA Task Force Chair Grace Lee for her inspiring leadership in this fight.The time for reversing the historical underfunding of Asian American communities is now.”

“The NYS AAPI Equity Budget was established with the goal of helping correct years of historical underfunding to New York’s diverse Asian American and Pacific Islander communities,” said Assemblyman Edward Braunstein. “As the AAPI community remains the fastest growing demographic in New York State, I am proud to support the Equity Budget, which seeks to invest in the community-based organizations working to offer comprehensive services and support to AAPI New Yorkers. I will continue to work with my colleagues and the Governor to ensure that this important funding is included in the final state budget.”

“Allyship is key in our fight for equitable funding in the state budget. As state legislators, we are able to advocate for communities and ensure they receive the critical funding they need to continue providing critical services to our AAPI communities. I was proud to stand with advocates as we called for the full $54.35 Million in funding for the Equity Budget Coalition and will continue to lend my voice and support,” said Assemblymember Marcela Mitaynes.