At a time when personal debt and the national debt are skyrocketing out of control, and economists are telling Americans to save more of their money, why are funds being cut from the Northeast Community Federal Credit Union, which encourages savings accounts?
When small business is one of the biggest economic engines propping up San Francisco’s own struggling economy, why are the small business assistance programs being cut at the Southeast Asian Community Center?
And when working families are contributing to society and the economy through gainful and productive employment, why are child care programs facing cuts at Wu Yee Children’s Services?
San Francisco’s Mayor’s Office of Community Development is trying to slash funding from every Asian American group in the economic development and microenterprise category. Out of 19 programs in the category, the only three APA programs are being cut a total of $160,000 — more than half of all the cuts in the category.
The reality is that some cuts most certainly will need to be made given the sorry state of the economy. But why is it that these Asian groups are being targeted for the vast majority of the cuts?
All of the groups being targeted are serving high-priority areas and are high performers in their operations. They were never given any indication that their work was not meeting performance levels or that their funding was ever in jeopardy.
These organizations also operate in the SoMa, Tenderloin and Visitacion Valley neighborhoods — where APAs live and work alongside major, but declining, African and Latino American populations. The multiplier effect of these funds go well beyond the APA community.
During these economically trying times, Asian American community groups are more essential than ever. There are more than 650 small businesses and microenterprises that will be harmed if these cuts are not reversed.
Fortunately, there is a review procedure. MOCD staff must now be open in explaining their budget process and how these APA programs were targeted. Ultimately, Mayor Gavin Newsom and San Francisco supervisors will have a say in how to fund support for economic development.
Particularly in the Bay Area, Asian Americans are part of the engine driving the economy. Mayor Newsom just needs to keep the tank full.