On May 28th, during Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro visited Philadelphia’s Chinatown. He met with small business owners, celebrated the community’s cultural and economic contributions, and announced an investment of $49,800 in the “Main Street Matters” initiative to support the revitalization of Chinatown, promoting economic growth and strengthening community infrastructure.
Governor Shapiro stated, “For over 150 years, Philadelphia’s Chinatown has welcomed families, nurtured entrepreneurial spirit, and built a thriving community in the heart of the city. The government is investing in small businesses to make government services more accessible and ensure that Pennsylvania lives up to its promise of being a place that provides opportunities and freedom for all.”
During his visit, Governor Shapiro toured Asia Crafts, a gift and collectibles store operated by Debbie Law since 1991, and Vivi Bubble Tea, a bubble tea shop run by RongYan Lin.
Governor Shapiro also visited the historic Philadelphia Fire Station, known as the “Dragon House,” a landmark in Chinatown. He expressed gratitude to the professional firefighters and outlined key proposals in the 2025-26 budget to support the fire department and protect the local community. These proposals include a $30 million allocation plan for equipment, personnel, and local fire service needs; pilot projects to encourage municipal cooperation and resource sharing; and annual cancer screenings for firefighters to address job-related health risks.
Pennsylvania Senator Nikil Saval remarked, “Over one-fifth of Pennsylvania’s Asian Pacific Islander population resides in Philadelphia. Our 150-year-old Chinatown—one of the oldest and most vibrant in American history—is the cultural center of the Asian American community in the region.”
Pennsylvania Representative Mary Isaacson stated, “The long-standing history and prosperity of our Chinatown showcase the dedication of our Asian community, bringing together numerous small businesses, churches, and strong community organizations and projects.”