Represent
Represent and serve as ambassadors for the Asian American & Pacific Islander community in California’s government.
WHY: Accounting for about 16% of the state’s population, Asian American & Pacific Islanders (AAPI) continue to be among the fastest growing ethnic groups. However, we are still the most underrepresented. California has the highest number of AAPI eligible voters in the United States, 4,177,936 people (Pew Research Center). Californian AAPI voters have demonstrated our ability to shape and influence election results through increased voter eligibility, representation, community organizing, and civic engagement.
HOW: Through active participation in government from the AAPI community in 2021, we successfully elected three new AAPI women to the California State Legislature! Our dedication to diverse representation within our own Caucus establishes integrity with the AAPI community by supporting stronger advocacy for AAPI issues.
Connect
Fight to make sure that the Asian American & Pacific Islander community’s issues are seen and voices are heard in California’s government.
WHY: Collaboration establishes unity, shared knowledge, and understanding that generates opportunities for change.
HOW: Partnerships within and across our communities develop relationships of unity that permits more fruitful opportunities for our current and future endeavors.
Elevate
Uplift the Asian American & Pacific Islander community and be an ally to others.
WHY: Uplifting the community will become mainstream to educate people on AAPI heritage and community members who have helped impact the lives of all Californians thus celebrating their legacy.
HOW: The AAPILC was able to continue this mission by highlighting leaders in the AAPI community during AAPI heritage month, as well as, having various AAPI celebrations acknowledged as official holidays in California. These are major strides for AAPI representation and we hope to continue educating the public about AAPI contributions to society as well as our culture and heritage.
The AAPI Equity Budget
On July 12, 2021, the California legislature and Governor Newsom passed the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Equity budget. The API Equity Budget, sponsored by the API Legislative Caucus, is a historic 3-year investment of $166.5 million in California’s API community. The budget will be used to fund critical resources in response to the surge in anti-API hate, as well as address the longstanding racial inequities that have harmed the API community for generations.