WASHINGTON, DC – Last week, President Biden released his Fiscal Year 2024 President’s Budget. The budget proposal details the President’s priorities for the upcoming fiscal year and is submitted every year to Congress with recommended funding levels for federally programs and activities.

The FY2024 proposal would increase funding for the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services, which will better equip the federal government to support Southeast Asian American (SEAA) communities and other communities of color. Additionally, the budget includes critical investments to support SEAA students, such as additional funds for school-based mental health professionals and support for multilingual learners, as well as increased support for our elders via the strengthening of Medicare and increased funding for the caregiving of older adults.

“SEARAC thanks the President for his ongoing commitment to the holistic health of our communities,” said Katrina Dizon Mariategue, SEARAC Acting Executive Director. “His budget proposal follows through on some of the promises he made during last month’s State of the Union Address, and it furthers his Administration’s historic support for Southeast Asian American communities. Now, we urge Congress to give substance to the proposed budget and robustly fund federal education and health programs — and moreover, ensure that they are accessible to all Americans by providing culturally and linguistically responsive outreach and services.

However, we are disappointed to see that the budget seeks to expand immigration enforcement significantly. Such funding increases are at odds with the President’s aspiration to rebuild the country. Instead of ratcheting up the targeting, criminalization, and deportation of immigrants of color, divert those funds toward programs that strengthen our communities and make families whole.”