NYS AAPI Commission holds inaugural meeting

In a historic moment for New York State, the inaugural meeting of the NYS Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Commission was held, marking a significant step in government representation and empowerment for Asian-American New Yorkers.

State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, a driving force behind this initiative, expressed her pride in the commission’s establishment. “I am proud to have passed the historic bill establishing our State’s first ever AAPI Commission, which Governor Hochul signed into law,” she stated.

The event took place in Rajkumar’s home borough of Queens, bringing together diverse voices from across the state. “Tonight, the Governor and I will inaugurate that Commission in my home borough of Queens, where we are bringing Asian-American New Yorkers across our State to the table of government,” Rajkumar emphasized.

This groundbreaking legislation, co-sponsored by Senator Jeremy Cooney, is timely. “Asian-Americans are now the fastest growing ethnic group and making large gains in representation across many fields,” Rajkumar noted. However, she highlighted the challenges faced by the community, including the surge in hate crimes, language access issues, and barriers to state services.

Rajkumar reflected on the importance of this moment: “This evening, the Commission embarks on its journey to empower Asian-American New Yorkers for generations to come.”

The establishment of the NYS AAPI Commission is set to address these issues head-on, paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for the AAPI community in New York.