OLYMPIA – The following statement was released by the chairs of the House and Senate Members of Color Caucuses, and the Legislative Black Members Caucus:
“When the legislature passed the bill to create the Office of Equity in 2020, House Bill 1783, the goal was that the office would expand opportunity and reduce the disparities that have historically harmed marginalized communities. This office coordinates our state agencies efforts to confront systemic inequity and undo practices that inhibit the most vulnerable Washingtonians from equitable opportunities and access to state resources. Accountability is a core component of the work so the state can track agency success and where efforts are needed to improve outcomes that support every resident of our state. We support and believe in the Office of Equity’s mission more than ever.
“We also applaud the governor and his team for their leadership in appointing an interim director recently, signaling the importance and immediacy that the work of the Office of Equity continues. As the process moves forward, we remain committed to ensuring that the Office of Equity is successful. We know that dismantling systems is hard work and more than just bold statements or fancy reports.
“In the Legislature, we will continue to push for Washington to become the north star as a state where everyone can live, work, and raise a family. We must build on recently passed legislation and continue to work on policies yet to make it into law.
“Moving forward, we ask that the governor include Washington’s many ethnic commissions and agencies, as well as new voices and representation in selecting the next director of the Office of Equity, including people of color and other marginalized communities with lived experience. In the spirit of ‘nothing about us without us’ equity in action is demonstrated by partnering with trusted messengers in our most disenfranchised communities. By adding in new voices, we will find greater solidarity in the work to achieve equity and inclusion for every resident of Washington, leading to full access to the tools people need to succeed.”
Rep. Mia Gregerson is the Chair of the House Members of Color Caucus. Sen. Yasmin Trudeau is Chair of the Senate Members of Color Caucus. Rep. David Hackney is Chair of the Legislative Black Members Caucus.