Grassroots AAPI Policy Agenda
SB 299: Automatically Register 4.7 Million Eligible Voters
SB 299 would address the racist legacy of voter registration in California by upgrading California’s current partial automatic voter registration (PAVR) system to a more streamlined, efficient, secure and accessible Secure AVR model. Secure AVR (SAVR) systems have been praised extensively by election experts from both parties as the gold standard of AVR. SB 299 would help register almost all of California’s 4.7 million eligible but unregistered voters, who are disproportionately voters of color, making California’s voting population more reflective of the diversity of our state.
Learn more about SB 299 and the California Grassroots Democracy Coalition.
Alongside our powerful network of grassroots Asian American and Pacific Islander organizations, we have identified the following legislative priorities that serve working-class Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
SB 1030: Renew and Expand CA Worker Outreach Program Funding
Through the CA Worker Outreach Program (CWOP), State labor agencies and community organizations partner to share information on workplace rights with immigrant workers, workers of color, and women workers in high-risk industries across 46 languages. Funding for CWOP is now threatened; the program is a highly effective part of our workplace fairness infrastructure and we cannot afford to discard it. SB 1030 opposes the proposed transfer of $125 million from the Labor and Workforce Development Fund to the General Fund, preserves funding for CWOP in 2025, and extends CWOP through 2026 with $30 million to expand its reach.
Championed by Chinese Progressive Association and Pilipino Workers Center.
AB 2444: In-Language Education on Nail Salon Labor Laws
A 2016-2017 survey found that there was a high prevalence of misclassification and confusion among Vietnamese nail salon workers and owners regarding employment classification and pay practices in California. The bill will require the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) to notify manicurists and nail salons about a change in the law to combat the misclassification of workers as independent contractors. AB 2444 will also require licensees, applicants, and salon owners to view a language- and culturally appropriate video on basic labor laws in order to receive a license or license renewal. Providing culturally responsive education and outreach on fundamental labor laws to nail salon workers and owners will empower the workforce with knowledge about their rights and educate employers to implement fair labor practices.
Championed by California Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative.
ACA 16: Protect Frontline Communities from Pollution
This bill proposes a ballot measure to amend the California Constitution to declare that the people have a right to clean air and water and a healthy environment. Communities of color, low income communities, and communities with high immigrant populations continue to be disproportionately targeted for placement and expansion of polluting industrial operations. This amendment goes beyond legislation to serve as a powerful and permanent tool to protect our frontline communities from pollution.
Championed by Asian Pacific Environmental Network.
AB 2415: Expand Financial Assistance to Immigrants Regardless of Status
Hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants in California contribute to the Social Security system, which they will not benefit from when they retire. AB 2415 would expand CAPI (the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants) to all aged, blind and disabled members of the immigrant community who are ineligible for SSI, regardless of immigration status. This legislation would offer much needed financial assistance to undocumented immigrants ($1,500 a month) when they can no longer work.
Championed by Pilipino Workers Center.