AAPI Equity Budget Coalition Secures $30M in New York State Budget Win
Funding will help expand programs and services for AAPI communities across the State
The AAPI Equity Budget Coalition and its co-leaders at CACF and the Asian American Federation released the following statement on May 27.
New York, New York (May 27, 2026) – We are excited to announce that $30 million in New York State funding for AAPI communities has been secured in this year’s State Budget, after months of dedicated advocacy co-led by the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF) and the Asian American Federation (AAF), alongside a powerful coalition of more than 130 AAPI-led and -serving community-based organizations.
We are deeply grateful to Governor Hochul, Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Speaker Heastie, and all of our tireless champions including Senator John Liu and Assemblymember Grace Lee in the New York State Legislature for their visionary leadership.
Their efforts have delivered a budget agreement that preserves $30 million for New York’s AAPI communities, $90 million overall for underserved communities. This funding is essential to support New York’s 2.1 million Asian Americans who continue to face systemic barriers in poverty alleviation, education, public safety, health and mental health care, and social services.
“CACF and our member organizations thank our state leaders for including the $30 million AAPI Equity Budget in the final New York State Budget. As co-leaders of the AAPI Equity Budget Coalition, we see daily how the needs of our community — New York State’s fastest-growing population —are intensifying,” said Anita Gundanna and Vanessa Leung, Co-Executive Directors of the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF). “This state-level investment is a vital lifeline as federal shifts impact our community’s ability to access critical linguistically accessible services and cultural programming. The Empire State’s community-based organizations are a trusted resource for AAPI New Yorkers of all backgrounds and by prioritizing this funding within the broader state budget, our leaders have sent a clear message: AAPI New Yorkers deserve to be seen and supported.”
"We are grateful to Governor Hochul, Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, and Speaker Heastie for continuing to invest in New York’s Asian community, “ said Catherine Chen, Chief Executive Officer of the Asian American Federation. “With this investment, we can continue to ensure Asian families across New York have access to the resources they need to survive and thrive. Even as our community has endured federal cuts to social services, threats to our rights, and the fear of mass deportations, this support sends a powerful message of care and commitment. It helps ensure that all 2.1 million Asian New Yorkers — the fastest-growing population in the state — can move forward with dignity, stability, and hope.”
While we celebrate maintaining this critical funding for underserved communities, the need for even greater investment is clear and urgent. AAPI New Yorkers face escalating challenges—from rising costs of living and expanding family needs to heightened vulnerabilities under shifting federal policies. With our population growing faster than any other group, future budgets must scale up to deliver language-accessible services, culturally competent health and mental health support, and robust legal protections, ensuring every family can thrive.
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About CACF:
Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF) is the nation’s only pan-Asian children and families’ advocacy organization bringing together community-based organizations as well as youth and community allies to fight for equity for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). CACF’s mission is to advocate for equity and opportunity for marginalized AAPI children and families. We are building a community too powerful to IGNORE. Our vision is for all children and families, including Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, in New York to be safe, healthy, and able to reach their full potential in life. Visit our website at www.cacf.org.
About AAF:
The Asian American Federation (AAF) is the strongest leadership organization advocating for better policies, services, and funding that lead to more justice and opportunity for over 2 million Asian New Yorkers. AAF does this work in partnership with our 70 member and partner organizations. We represent the collective interests of Asian New Yorkers on issues of anti-Asian violence, mental health, economic empowerment, immigrant integration, and civic engagement. Our efforts ensure that the Asian community remains visible, our needs are addressed, our contributions are valued, and our stories are told. Find out more at www.aafederation.org.
