On This International Women’s Day, National CAPACD Reflects on President Biden’s 2024 State of the Union Address 

President Biden’s State of the Union address is an opportunity to recognize how the country has progressed under his administration and to consider the challenges we must confront together. The National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development (National CAPACD) is pleased to hear the President affirm his commitment to an inclusive America that protects and celebrates the rights of women, immigrants, and communities of color – values that are central to our mission.

The President also highlighted accomplishments aimed at achieving greater economic and social well-being, including efforts to invest in affordable housing, the creation of 16 million new small businesses, and historic job growth. Low-income Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AA and NHPI), as well as other communities of color, will surely benefit from these policies. We stand committed to working with this administration to continue to advance equity and expand opportunities for every individual that enriches our diverse society.

“The Biden Administration’s vision is deeply interwoven with our core principles of justice and empowerment that will advance the well-being of low-income AA and NHPI families,” said Seema Agnani, Chief Executive Officer of National CAPACD. “In this critical moment in history, we all must come together to confront issues raised by the President – preserving democracy, safeguarding reproductive rights, protecting vital social safety nets, and putting measures in place that will create a more just tax system. These are among the defining issues of our time, necessary to advance healthy, thriving communities and vital to upholding the dignity and rights of all individuals and communities.”

The President’s strategy to address the critical shortage of affordable homes by constructing over two million units is a step in the right direction. These measures, combined with actions against rent gouging and the expansion of Housing Choice Vouchers should create greater equity in the housing market, and benefit low-income communities – including AA and NHPIs that are disproportionately housing cost-burdened.

Global conflicts deeply affect AA and NHPI communities in the U.S. From being the target of attacks to mass displacement – many in our communities are personally impacted by the conflict in Gaza. We welcome the President’s announcement of increased humanitarian aid in conflict zones and continue to call for a permanent ceasefire in the region.

Yesterday, the President’s State of the Union address was an important reminder of the moment in history we are in and the need to work together to build a more just, equitable, and prosperous future in this country. It is fitting that his speech comes right before International Women’s Day, which shines a light on the importance of equity and justice for one of the most marginalized groups worldwide – women. Let’s continue to focus on and address these critical issues now and into the future.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact communications@nationalcapacd.org.