Legislative Black Caucus denounces bill eliminating Office of Equity

Feb 17, 2025 Story by: Editor

A Republican-backed bill introduced last week aims to dismantle the Office of Equity in Washington, with the state's Legislative Black Caucus condemning the move as a “ threat to racial equity and justice .”

House Bill 1959 seeks to eliminate the Office of Equity, arguing that doing so would “save the taxpayers $19,500,000.” The bill is sponsored by Republican state Representatives Jeremie Dufault of Selah, Travis Couture of Allyn, and Matt Marshall of Eatonville.

In response, the Legislative Black Caucus issued a statement on Thursday, February 13, calling the bill “deeply harmful” and short-sighted. They emphasized that the Office of Equity , created in 2020 under the Office of the Governor, was established to address systemic inequities. The Caucus highlighted that the office promotes policies designed to ensure equal access, justice, and opportunities, especially for historically marginalized communities.

If the office were shut down, Caucus members argued, it would exacerbate the disparities, injustice, and poverty that disproportionately affect BIPOC communities. They urged their fellow lawmakers to reject the bill and stated, “Instead of dismantling progress, we urge legislators to strengthen and expand the work of the Office of Equity,” in a Feb. 13 release. “We must continue fighting for policies that ensure every Washingtonian — regardless of race, ethnicity, or background — has the opportunity to thrive.”

The bill’s prime sponsor, Dufault, sees the issue differently. “We don’t need to spend $20M to fund an office of equal results,” he said in an emailed statement. “We need to provide equal opportunities, not equal results, and there are many state agencies that already do that.”

The proposal comes amidst President Donald Trump's efforts to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across the country, with the White House describing DEI programs as “radical” and “wasteful.” Trump's stance has prompted various corporations, media organizations, and academic institutions to reconsider their DEI programs.

However, Gov. Bob Ferguson reaffirmed Washington's commitment to DEI on Thursday, stating that even if federal funding is revoked, the state will continue to pursue these goals using its own resources.

Andrew Chin, deputy director of the Office of Equity, emphasized the office’s bipartisan support for creating a more accountable and responsive state government: “We look forward to deepening relationships with all our partners in this work.” Chin further explained, “Our office collaborates with state agencies to reduce barriers and improve efficiency,” adding that they are working with 12 state agencies to streamline state contracting processes, which would help small business owners compete for state contracts. He noted that the office’s $19.5M biennial budget funds essential work like this across the state.

The bill’s text outlines that the government should prioritize funding for excellent schools, safe streets, high-quality infrastructure, and the protection of vulnerable residents to help families, businesses, and communities thrive. The bill emphasizes limiting the tax burden to only what is necessary for essential services, ensuring Washington remains economically competitive.

HB 1959 also suggests that if the Office of Equity receives strong public support, it could be restored as a nonprofit, though taxpayers would no longer fund it. The Legislative Black Caucus rejected this notion, asserting that nonprofits lack the resources and mandate needed to drive meaningful change. They stressed that the office was specifically created to hold the government accountable for ensuring justice for all residents, particularly those historically denied it.

“We will not stand idly by while our communities are silenced and neglected,” the LBC declared. “Our work is not done. Our fight for justice is not over.”

HB 1959 was prefiled on February 11 and referred to the State Government and Tribal Relations Committee the following day. As of late Friday, February 14, the bill had not been scheduled for a hearing. Source: AOL