June 29, 2023
Newsom reinforces his commitment to California’s AAPI communities by signing budget that includes significant additional funds to the API Equity Budget.
Stop AAPI Hate extends our gratitude to Governor Gavin Newsom and California legislative leaders for signing budget legislation (SB 101) that recommits to the API Equity Budget. This decision includes $40 million in additional funding on top of the original $166.5 million allocation for the API Equity Budget in 2021. The AAPI Legislative Caucus and a coalition of over 100 AAPI and ally organizations played a pivotal role in advocating for this significant investment in AAPI safety and equity.
The API Equity Budget has proven to be a vital tool in combating anti-AAPI hate, racism, and discrimination within the state. By allocating an additional $40 million, Governor Newsom and the state legislature have demonstrated a resolute commitment to the safety, well-being, and empowerment of AAPI communities in California. These additional funds will significantly bolster support for victim services, violence prevention efforts, and other initiatives aimed at fostering community safety and resilience.
The decision also extends the availability of funds to ensure that AAPI organizations can continue their critical work without interruption. This will allow for sustained investment in programs, resources, and interventions that are crucial for addressing the persistent challenges faced by AAPI communities.
See below for attributable quotes.
The following can be attributed to Cynthia Choi and Manjusha Kulkarni, co-founders of Stop AAPI Hate:
“We extend our gratitude to Governor Newsom for his action in signing the API Equity Budget and providing significant additional funding. This investment is a testament to his dedication to the well-being and safety of AAPI communities in California. With these funds, we can continue to support victims, prevent violence, and foster community resilience. Thank you, Governor Newsom, for your steadfast commitment to AAPI safety and equity.”
The following can be attributed to Assemblymember Phil Ting, Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee:
“When we passed the API Equity Budget in 2021, the API community was hurting. We saw our grandparents being attacked on the streets, heard racial slurs, and mourned the tragedy in Atlanta. As Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, I knew that California needed to do more to support our community. Investing in nonprofits and community-based organizations to provide care to victims and strengthen hate prevention programs has transformed communities across the state, and I’m proud we’re able to make additional investments to support this work.”
The following can be attributed to Assemblymember Evan Low, Chair of the AAPI Legislative Caucus:
“Governor Newsom’s signing of the API Equity Budget into law reaffirms his strong commitment to supporting AAPI communities in California. The increased allocation in the API Equity Budget will not only prioritize the well-being of our communities during times of crisis but also enable more effective on-the-ground responses. We commend Governor Newsom for his exceptional leadership and dedication to empowering and safeguarding AAPI individuals and families.”
The following can be attributed to Senator Dave Min, Senate Vice Chair of the AAPI Legislative Caucus:
“I’d like to thank the Governor, Assembly Budget Chair Phil Ting, Senate Budget Chair Nancy Skinner, and our legislative leadership for their collaboration on this year’s API Equity Budget. As a member of the Senate Budget Committee, I am proud to have helped spearhead a budget which ensures that AAPI communities continue to be a priority for the State of California. Budgets are a reflection of our values and this investment makes clear that our state will continue to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of AAPI Californians, building on our past progress to continue investing in the education and outreach needed to stop the scourge of anti-Asian hate.”
The following can be attributed to Assemblymember Mike Fong, Assembly Vice Chair of the AAPI Legislative Caucus:
“As the Assembly Vice Chair of the AAPI Legislative Caucus, I am proud of the work of the caucus to advocate for more funds to combat anti-AAPI hate, violence, and discrimination. The work being done in our communities is crucial for helping AAPIs who have suffered mentally and physically to get back to normalcy, and to educate all people that violence and hate have no place in California. Thank you to the Governor for his support of the API Equity Budget.”