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Jenifer Rajkumar seeks increased AAPI share in NY budget
The Indian American assemblymember has pushed the funding in the FY27 New York State budget.
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Anushka Pathak - Tue, 17, Feb 2026
- 15:17 EST
- 23
Jenifer Rajkumar / New India Abroad
New York State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar on Feb. 17 called for US $54.35 million in dedicated funding for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities in the FY27 New York State budget.
Speaking at a rally organized by the AAPI Equity Budget Coalition, Rajkumar said funding must match representation. “Representation matters. But representation without resources is not enough."
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The Queens lawmaker urged state leaders to allocate substantial resources to support community-based organizations and essential services. “We don't just want a seat at the table. We want resources at the table to fund back to our communities, to fund the incredible heroes of our community.”
Rajkumar shared the video of her remarks on X, writing, “Not symbolic gestures. Not crumbs. ... We are DONE being invisible. We are America.”
Albany must deliver for our AAPI communities.
— Jenifer Rajkumar (@JeniferRajkumar) February 17, 2026
Not symbolic gestures. Not crumbs.
Real funding. Real equity. Real results.
This state budget must reflect the strength, contributions, and future of our people.
We are DONE being invisible.
We are America. pic.twitter.com/4084p53uSN
She framed the request as a response to demographic growth and ongoing challenges faced by the community. Referring to Asian Americans as the fastest-growing ethnic group in the United States, she also cited a prior 300 percent surge in hate crimes targeting AAPI individuals, calling it unacceptable.
“We are here to fight back,” she said. “Albany, we have arrived. We are calling for real programs, real dollars, and real impact. Let's get it done.”
Rajkumar pointed to organizations in neighborhoods such as Richmond Hill and Sunset Park, describing them as “the engines of those communities.” She said that increased visibility of elected officials from underrepresented communities has influenced budget priorities, including language access, culturally competent healthcare, and support for Asian American nonprofits.
“Because of us standing here, many of us, the first of our communities ever elected, we are no longer invisible,” she said. “We are seen. We are heard. And every year, our share of the budget grows larger and larger.”
The funding push aligns with efforts by the AAPI Equity Budget Coalition, a network of more than 150 organizations seeking expanded allocations for senior services, mental health support, anti-hate initiatives, and language access programs.
The US $54.35 million proposal marks an increase from prior funding levels and comes as lawmakers negotiate the New York State budget ahead of the new fiscal year beginning in April 2026.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
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