Photo via Wikimedia Creative Commons from Governor’s Office
By Louis Chan, AsAmNews National Correspondent
Over 120 Asian American and Pacific Islander leaders today announced their opposition to the recall of California Governor Gavin Newsom.
The recall effort has been largely fueled by those who believe Newsom has kept the state’s businesses and schools closed for too long.
They announced earlier this week they had collected just under 2 million signatures. 1.5 million of those need to be verified for the recall to go forward.
“This recall is powered by a Republican coalition of anti-vaxers, QAnon conspiracy theorists, Trump supporters and national Republicans,” said Assemblyperson David Chiu (D-SF) at a virtual news conference observed by AsAmNews. “Instead of fighting Covid 19, Republicans are pulling a page from the Trump playbook and attacking Californians with a recall that will cost our state over $100 million- money that could vaccinate our communities.” he said.
Both national, local and statewide elected officials took part in the news conference. Many of them praised Newsom’s efforts in combatting not only the pandemic, but wildfires and the growing anti-Asian hate in the state.
“California is moving quicker than any other large state to vaccinate its residents,” said Rep Judy Chu (D-CA), chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. She said Newsom stands as a a “stark contrast” to the inaction and inefficiency of former President Trump.
State Controller Betty Yee (D-CA) said the state under Newsom’s leadership had distributed more vaccines than 5 countries. She also praised the Governor for reserving 40 percent of the vaccine for the most at-risk zip codes.
“He’s leaving no corner of California behind,” she said.
State Treasure Fiona Ma said she served briefly with Newsom on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and later when he became mayor.
“He does what he thinks is right, even if its not popular,” Ma said. “At the end, what he stood for becomes what is right and popular.”
Assem Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) praised Newsom for standing with South Asian Americans and progressives in the state.
“We have see the AAPI community has grown in its progressive ranks,” he said. The reality is Governor Newsom is a partner in this effort.”
State Sen Dave Min (D-Orange County) praised Newsom for leading the state through trying times while taking decisive action. He called the recall an illegitimate attempt to weaponize the recall process.
“We denounce it and we oppose it,” said Assem Rob Bonta (D-Oakland). While Californians were in need, Gov Newsom has lead with courage guided by science, assuring we are tending to our most vulnerable.”
The Governor and Legislature recently approved an unprecedented $2.1 billion in grants to small businesses, which is of particular interest to API small business owners. The Governor also worked to deliver a plan to incentivize schools to reopen for in-person instruction.
He has spoken out against the rise in hate incidents against Asian Americans and budgeted $1.4 million to help fund efforts by the StopAAPIHate reporting center.
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