CACF Statement on the FY26 New York State Budget

ALBANY (May 15, 2025) -- After months of collective advocacy led by CACF, with over 130 AAPI-led and -serving community-based organizations that make up the CACF co-led AAPI Equity Budget Coalition, we are proud to share that the historic $30 million of NY State funding to our AAPI communities that our coalition has been pushing for has been restored in this year’s New York State Budget!

CACF Co-Executive Directors Anita Gundanna and Vanessa Leung share, “We are proud to have conceived and now co-lead the AAPI Equity Budget Coalition.  Every day, our vast coalition sees firsthand how the needs of AAPI New Yorkers continue to expand across our diverse community - the fastest growing in NY State. The AAPI Equity Budget connects all corners of NY State through providing vital resources to support our health and mental health, safety, and belonging. We are deeply grateful for Governor Hochul, Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, and Speaker Heastie who have sent a clear message that AAPI New Yorkers deserve to be supported through our NY State Budget."

This victory for our communities would not be possible without the tireless advocacy of our coalition alongside our AAPI Equity Budget Champions Assemblymember Grace Lee and Senator John Liu,  along with the members of the APA Task Force.

But as we celebrate this major budget victory, we remain focused on ensuring that the State continues to increase support for our immigrant and other communities that are most marginalized.  Our coalition will continue to push for access – including ensuring cultural responsiveness and language access – to quality health care, education, public benefits, and other life-affirming support for all New Yorkers, including our beloved AAPI communities.

CACF remains committed to continuing our fight for equity for all AAPI New Yorkers!

For more information please email Lakshmi Gandhi, CACF’s Senior Communications Coordinator, at lgandhi@cacf.org.