As Assembly Budget Chair, I'm committed to ensuring the state continues investing in California's Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. As part of that pledge, I announced $3.2 million in state funding today to help implement the Safe Routes to School program in Daly City. Located in our district, about 60% of its population is AAPI, with the majority identifying as Filipino or Chinese.

With state and local funding combined, this investment is the city's largest school safety improvement project in recent years, if not ever. It aims to enhance bike and pedestrian safety near Susan B. Anthony Elementary, John F. Kennedy Elementary and Thomas R. Pollicita Middle schools - an area designated on the High Injury Network, defined as city streets where serious injuries and collisions occur most frequently.

The project involves shorter crossing distances, higher visibility crosswalks, wider sidewalks and general improvements to the streets around the schools. San Francisco already has a Safe Routes To School program, and I believe Daly City's kids deserve the same safety investments when commuting by foot or bike. In addition to greater commute protections, we need to encourage kids to move more for their health, and by involving fewer cars for pick-up and drop-off, we improve air quality.

Earlier this month, I also announced $3.5 million to expand resources for AAPI seniors living in San Francisco's Sunset District. Most of that funding will enable renovations to proceed at the South Sunset Playground Clubhouse, where Self-Help For The Elderly provides meals, exercise programs and other vital services in conjunction with the city's Recreation and Park Department. The remainder of the funding will help the non-profit open a new community space to meet the demands of a growing elderly population.

I'm proud of what I have been able to deliver for our district thus far and plan to continue bringing more resources and support.