New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced her intention to apportion $10 million in state funding for Asian American community groups who were disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
The state dollars are derived from New York’s 2021-22 state budget and will be distributed to the Asian American Federation, Coalition for Asian American Children and Families, and the Chinese-American Planning Council, according to WIVB4.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on so many vulnerable and marginalized communities across New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “The Asian American community was especially hard hit, not only by the virus but by an increase in hate and violent crimes. With this $10 million in funding, we are sending a strong message that hate has no home here, and we will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our sisters and brothers in the Asian American community.
The Governor made the announcement on the same day she attended the Lunar New Year Parade in New York City on Sunday, reported the Daily Mail. Photos showed her wearing a red overcoat. Red is considered a symbol of luck in both the Chinese and Vietnamese cultures. It is the symbol of energy and support in Korean culture.
The governor’s office added that this allocation is the “biggest investment to this community” in New York’s history.
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The Asian American Federation, in particular, will receive $6.8 million to distribute to 59 organizations to assist with direct services and mental health support, reports WIVB. com.
Organizations receiving funding from AAF include Asian American Arts Alliance, Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Brooklyn Community Improvement Association, Chinatown YMCA and Immigrant Social Services, noted WIVB.com.
“We thank Governor Hochul for her investment and commitment in providing the resources that New York’s Asian American community needs now more than ever,” said Jo-Ann Yoo, executive director of the AAF. “With the tragedies that our community has experienced since the start of the pandemic, and painfully so over the last few months, many Asian Americans are fearful for their own lives when stepping out of their homes.”
The Coalition for Asian American Children and Families will receive over $1 million and the Chinese-American Planning Council will receive $700,000 for assisting New York’s Asian American community, reports WIVB.com.
“Today’s announcement is the start of much work to be done, and we look forward to working with the Governor and State and City elected officials to ensure that New York’s Asian American community is protected and given the resources to preserve past this crisis,” Yoo said.
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Thank you for supporting Asian Americans who were so wrongly singled out during the pandemic. Your thoughtfulness is much appreciated!