Hates crimes on Asian Americans continue to rise, Hochul offering help to targeted community

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. (WHEC) — As hates crimes and attacks against Asian Americans continue to rise at an alarming rate, Governor Hochul is offering help to the targeted community.

At a Lunar New Year Parade Sunday afternoon, Governor Hochul says she is offering $10 million to the Asian American Federation (AAF), The Coalition for Asian American Children and Families and The Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC), as the community has seen a significant rise in attacks and hates crimes. Nearly 60 community organizations under this umbrella will receive help.

The funding is also to help the community negatively impacted by the pandemic. According to the governor, there will be a focus on community programs and providers that bring services and supportive programs directly to New York’s Asian American communities.

"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. My administration is laser-focused on continuing to help communities that have for too long been forgotten, not only as we recover from this pandemic, but for years to come."

The governor’s office says this will be the largest investment in the Asian American community in New York State history.