Governor Jay Inslee announced a $365 million equity policy package as part of his 2021-2023 state budget proposal in a press conference Monday. This policy package directs state agencies and legislators to center budgetary decisions and legislation around equity.
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I firmly believe Washington to be an anti-racist state, and I will be taking actions that hold our state to that commitment,” Inslee said in the press conference. “We need our policies and budget to reflect our dedication toward disrupting the harmful systemic cycle of racism and inequity.”
In the legislative and budget proposals announced Monday, Inslee supported House Bill 1016, which would establish Juneteenth as a legal holiday in Washington state. He allocated an additional $2.5 million to the Washington Equity Office. This office is tasked with creating a five-year equity plan for the state, as well as consulting with existing departments to create their own equity plans.
These investments follow a year where the systemic inequities faced by people of color were pushed into the national spotlight. According to Inslee, these proposals show Washington’s commitment to not just changing policies that affect these communities but investing in them as well.
Inslee also requested legislation that would create the Office of Independent Investigations. This office would ensure investigations into police use of force and that these investigations are performed thoroughly, fairly, transparently, and through an anti-racism lens.
The budget proposal allocated an additional $10 million to the Washington COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund, which will be added to the $62.6 million currently allocated.
It’s important that we work just as hard to serve a crucial Washington community that works every day to serve their neighbors,” Inslee said.
Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler proposed joint legislation with Gov. Inslee to ban the use of credit scoring in considering auto, homeowner, rental and boat insurance. The bill intends to address systemic racism in the credit scoring industry.
Banning the use of credit scores in insurance is an economic and racial justice issue,” Kreidler said. “For too long, insurers have been relying on a secret black box of data to set your insurance premium.”
The governor also proposed new equity investments in the capital budget, including grants and investing in BIPOC community-based organizations. The investments include $400,000 to the Department of Commerce to create an equity committee and $400,000 to the Recreation and Conservation Office to review the equitable distribution of state grant programs.
The budget proposal also asked for funding to remove barriers to financial aid, close the digital divide, improve equity outcomes for foster and homeless students, invest in environmental justice and advancing equity on school campuses.
Our communities have long been calling out for leadership that takes a hard look at inequity in our state and steps forward with bold action to respond to these needs,” said Sen. Rebecca Saldaña (D-Seattle). “I look forward to partnering with the governor in this work to serve every Washingtonian, especially the historically marginalized and underrepresented.”
This story was cross-posted on our sister site State of Reform
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