CPC Holds 7th Annual State Advocacy Day in Albany

***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

Date: January 22nd, 2025

Press Contacts: 

Alice Du, Director of Communications | (212) 792-4585 | adu@cpc-nyc.org

CPC Holds 7th Annual State Advocacy Day in Albany

New York, NY –  The Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC), the nation’s largest Asian American social services organization, along with over 400 staff members and community members, convened for CPC’s 7th Annual State Advocacy Day in Albany. CPC led a rally and will be meeting with elected officials to outline its statewide policy priorities and continue its advocacy for the essential services it provides to Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI), immigrant, and low-income communities.

A few of CPC’s priority issues this year include:

• Fully funding human services, including committing to a 7.8% cost-of-living-adjustment for the entire workforce (Just Pay Campaign), and restoring and expanding funding for the Settlement House Program, Adult Literacy, Summer Youth Employment Program, Senior Housing and Supportive Services, Care Coordination Organizations/Health Homes, Early Childhood Education Programs and Open-Ended Preventive/Protective Child Welfare Services.

• Investing $54.35 million in AAPI organizations to address the historical underfunding of AAPI communities across the state.

• Establishing a permanent unemployment bridge program for undocumented workers by investing $500 million in a fair and equitable unemployment insurance system (Unemployment Bridge Program).

• Increasing wages and ensuring livable wages for home care workers (Fair Pay for Home Care), and establishing dignified working schedules for home care workers by replacing 24-hour live in shifts with 12-hour split shifts, fully funding Medicaid to eliminate the home care shortage, and ensuring fair wages, improved working conditions, and adequate and dignified care for those in need.

“CPC’s Annual State Advocacy Day is our key policy event of the year, as it offers a platform to engage directly with policymakers on issues that affect all New Yorkers, especially our underserved AAPI, immigrant, and low-income communities,” said Wayne Ho, President & CEO of CPC. “From advocating for living wages for home care and human services workers and securing critical funding for essential human services, to addressing the historical underfunding of AAPI organizations, we are standing up for the diverse communities we serve. We will continue to work with elected officials and community partners to advance policies that promote equity, dignity, and opportunity for all.”

At a time of increased fear for Asian American, immigrant and low-income New Yorkers, our 400 CPC staff and community members are sending a clear message to our State leaders in Albany today. Our communities will not be divided, rather we will link arms more tightly than ever before as we fight for a New York with housing, healthcare, childcare, and social services for all, a New York with justice and dignity for all, and a New York where all of us can thrive," said Carlyn Cowen, Chief Policy and Public Affairs Officer of CPC.

During the 7th Annual State Advocacy Day, CPC led a rally in Albany with community members, staff and elected officials including Senator Jamaal Bailey, Senator Jabari Brisport, Senator Samra Brouk, Senator John Liu, Senator Salazar, Assemblymember William Colton, Assemblymember Catalina Cruz, Assemblymember Harvey Epstein, Assemblymember Marcela Mitaynes, and Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia.

“It is a privilege for me to support the social services advocacy of the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC). Immigrant, low-income communities face multiple barriers to accessing resources and opportunities for growth. By investing in COLA increases, supporting housing programs, and addressing the impact of climate on marginalized communities, we move one step closer to achieving equity for all New Yorkers,” said Senator Samra G. Brouk (SD-55).

“For decades, the Chinese-American Planning Council has worked to empower Asian American, immigrant, and low-income communities across New York City. Now more than ever, these communities need the support of advocates who will fight for the policies, programs, and services that will ensure their voices are heard, their needs are met, and their contributions are valued. Thank you to CPC for leading the charge in the State Capitol and never relenting in the fight for equitable access to resources and opportunities," said Senator John C. Liu (SD-16).

“I am happy to welcome the Chinese American Planning Council to Albany for their State Advocacy Day,” said Assembly Member Harvey Epstein. “It is crucial that the AAPI community make their voices heard and help shape policies that improve our state. As a member of the APA Task Force representing a significant AAPI community, I proudly support their collective action to imagine a future of safety, resources, and equality for all New Yorkers,” said Assemblymember Harvey Epstein (AD- 74).

“Every New Yorker deserves access to the resources and opportunities needed to thrive, regardless of their background or immigration status. The Chinese-American Planning Council’s policy priorities for this year's budget champion critical investments in the human services workforce, immigrant communities, and marginalized populations. These initiatives—like the #JustPay campaign, AAPI Equity Budget, and the Unemployment Bridge Program—reflect the values of New York State that we must uphold.  I stand in full support of these efforts to ensure a stronger, fairer future for all New Yorkers,” said Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia (AD-86).

CPC will be meeting virtually with over 50 elected officials tomorrow, where staff and community members will discuss key policy issues.

CPC offers wraparound services to over 80,000 New Yorkers annually through a diverse range of over 50 programs. These include emergency food assistance, early childhood education, public benefits and unemployment assistance, support for community members with disabilities, and services for older adults.

For more information about CPC and its range of community services, please visit www.cpc-nyc.org.

Press Coverage: World Journal, NYN Media

About the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC):

The Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC) is a social services organization that creates positive social change. Founded in 1965, CPC is the nation’s largest Asian American social services organization and aims to promote the social and economic empowerment of Chinese American, immigrant, and low-income communities of New York City. CPC is the trusted partner to individuals and families striving to achieve goals in their education, family, community, and career.

關於華人策劃協會 (華策會):

華人策劃協會（簡稱“華策會”）是一個致力於創造正向社會變革的社會服務機構。華策會成立於1965年，是美國最大的亞裔美國人社會服務機構，旨在促進紐約市華裔美國人、移民及低收入社區的社會權益和經濟賦權。華策會是為個人和家庭實現其教育、家庭、社區及職業目標而努力的可信賴機構。

ACERCA DE CPC

El Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC) es una organización de servicios sociales que crea un cambio social positivo. Fundada en 1965, CPC es la mayor organización de servicios sociales asiático-americanos del país y su objetivo es promover la capacitación social y económica de las comunidades chino-americanas, inmigrantes y de bajos ingresos de la ciudad de Nueva York. CPC es el socio de confianza de personas y familias que se esfuerzan por alcanzar objetivos en su educación, familia, comunidad y carrera.