Advocacy
Share your voice on the issues that impact your business.
We provide a platform where diverse small business owners can influence civic, social, and economic policies across California.
Engage and Participate
We engage in policy issues that impact California’s AAPI community and create opportunities for diverse small businesses.
Legislative Priorities
The CalAsian Chamber’s unique approach of technical assistance paired with advocating for inclusive policies and legislation, opens equitable pathways for AAPI businesses to reach new markets and expand operations. By operating through an equity-based framework, the Chamber engages in policy areas that uplift California’s AAPI communities and creates opportunities for diverse small businesses.
Small business is the backbone of our economy. The CalAsian Chamber will continue to fight for policies that promote economic vitality, upward mobility for our workforce, and inclusive economic development through technical assistance programs.
Read more about our Equity in Energy Task Force bill (AB 1198).
All individuals can reach their full educational potential regardless of race, ethnicity, or family income. Every student deserves an opportunity to earn a postsecondary certificate, credential, or college degree with the opportunity to enter a meaningful, self-sustaining job in early adulthood.
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As the state aims to achieve its ambitious renewable energy goals (the “Just Transition”), how do we ensure that small and minority-owned businesses are not left behind?
Read more about our Equity in Energy Task Force bill (AB 1198).
Technological advances are presenting significant challenges both practically and from a policy perspective. The CalAsian Chamber will advocate for positions that protect its small business members and the diverse communities they represent.
The federal government has allocated more than a trillion dollars combined in green infrastructure to create a wider footing for low-carbon industries to succeed. The CalAsian Chamber will collaborate with subject-matter experts across the state to provide qualified technical assistance to ensure underserved communities can fully participate in the new opportunities these investments will drive.
Technological advances are presenting significant challenges both practically and from a policy perspective. The CalAsian Chamber will advocate for positions that protect its small business members and the diverse communities they represent.
Public Policy Committee
Our Public Policy Committee helps guide the CalAsian Chamber’s stance on policy issues that impact diverse small business owners who access our suite of economic development services.
This year, the CalAsian Public Policy Committee consists of the following subcommittees: Business Advisory, Cannabis, Education & Workforce, Business Finance, Healthcare, Infrastructure, and Technology and Innovation.
The CalAsian Chamber is an incredibly valuable partner to the API Legislative Caucus. The Chamber’s pulse on Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) and small business communities keep the Legislature and Caucus informed of on-the-ground needs to ensure these populations are heard in key policy discussions. I appreciate their leadership and look forward to our continued work together ensuring inclusive economic opportunities.
Assembly Member Evan Low
California State Assembly, District 28
2024 API Legislative Caucus Chair
As the first-ever Asian American woman to represent the Sacramento region in the Legislature and the first Asian American woman to be elected to the Elk Grove City Council, I recognize the power of representing the AAPI community in all spaces. This mission is shared by the Sacramento and California Asian Pacific Chambers of Commerce, which I have witnessed in action for many years – as the former Executive Director at Asian Resources, Inc. and during my term on the Elk Grove City Council. Both Chambers were staunch advocates for disadvantaged communities, mobilizing resources and driving inclusive economic development across the state. Their work expands opprtunities for small businesses through technical assistance and inclusive legislation which reflects California’s diversity. I look forward to working with both Chambers as an Assemblymember and member of the API Caucus.
Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen
California State Assembly, District 10
“Asian Americans and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islanders (AAPI) are entrepreneurs and business leaders who had to overcome many barriers to achieve financial success. AAPI businesses have been hit especially hard during COVID19 as they faced both economic challenges as well as racism and xenophobia. As Chair of the AAPI Legislative Caucus, I welcome CalAsian Chamber’s advocacy for AAPI and small business communities to create opportunities and economic growth in AAPI communities in our state. As a small business owner, I appreciate their support for entrepreneurs throughout California.”
Dr. Richard Pan
Former Senator California State Senate, District 6
California Asian American & Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus (AAPILC)
Caucuses and Resources
Asian American and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus
Asian Pacific Islander Caucus
Get Involved in the API Caucus
Downloads
Press Release
Assembly member David Chiu introduces the Economic Equity First Act of 2021
Read the Full Bill
Assembly member David Chiu introduces the Economic Equity First Act of 2021
Coalition Letter
Assembly member David Chiu introduces the Economic Equity First Act of 2021
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