Governor Newsom Signs $40 Million API Equity Budget into Law

SACRAMENTO, CA — Earlier this week, Governor Gavin Newsom signed the 2023-24 Budget, which includes $40 million in support of the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Equity Budget. The funds support programs started in the 2021-22 Budget to benefit the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community statewide. The California Asian American & Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus (AAPILC) and a statewide coalition of 116 community-based organizations advocated for these additional funds to continue the critical work in developing equity, safety, and unity for California’s diverse AAPI communities.

The API Equity Budget was developed to address systemic racism and discrimination against the AAPI community in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the increase in anti-AAPI hate crimes. Sponsored by the AAPILC, the initial budget request allocated a historic 3-year investment of $166.5 million in California’s AAPI community to support initiatives such as victim services, violence prevention measures, and educational achievement programs. In the past two years, the API Equity Budget has proven to be crucial in combating anti-Asian hate. The largest of its kind in the country, the investment continues to be one of California’s most significant actions to support the AAPI community, reaffirming the state’s commitment to safety, justice, and equity for all Californians.

Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Silicon Valley), Chair of the API Legislative Caucus; Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine), Senate Vice Chair; Assemblymember Mike Fong (D-Alhambra), Assembly Vice Chair and Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee would like to provide the following statements:

AAPI Legislative Caucus Chair, Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Silicon Valley):

“I would like to express my gratitude toward Governor Newsom and my colleagues in the Asian American & Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus for uplifting our Californian AAPI communities through the API Equity Budget. Over the past two years, the State of California has made a historic commitment to prioritizing the wellbeing of our AAPI communities. This year, Governor Newsom has reaffirmed that commitment, allowing us to continue providing critical resources and on-the-ground responses towards anti-Asian hate.”

Senate Vice Chair, Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine):

“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 AAPI 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.”

Assembly Vice Chair, Assemblymember Mike Fong (D-Alhambra):

“Thank you to Governor Newsom for approving this crucial and historic budget. We are confident that the API Equity Budget will continue to generate services and support benefiting our AAPI communities. Because eradicating hate and racial injustice takes a sustained effort, we hope that Governor Newsom and the State Legislature can continue to support and invest in the AAPI community in future years.”

Assembly Budget Committee Chair, Assemblymember Chair Phil Ting (D-San Francisco):

“Now is the time to continue building upon our work. The latest API Equity Budget sustains California’s efforts to protect and empower its members by providing direct response to hate incidents and funding educational and cultural initiatives. As the Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, I am proud to have played a role in championing these resources. I appreciate Governor Newsom’s continued commitment to invest in our community.”

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The CA AAPILC serves to represent and advocate for the interests of the AAPI community, including increasing AAPI representation and participation at all levels of government.

Website of the California AAPI Legislative Caucus: https://aapilegcaucus.legislature.ca.gov