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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 23, 2021 03:17 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Donna Bullock and Rep. Leanne Krueger |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Equity Impact Statements |
| As legislators it is our duty to pass legislation that benefits and improves the lives of all Pennsylvanians, but unfortunately, whether intentional or unintentional, the bills that ultimately become laws can often have a disproportionate effect on racial, ethnic, sex, and gender minorities. These inequities in income, health, and other indicators of social and economic well-being are not inevitable. They have been created and perpetuated over time through systemic bias, public policy decisions, and institutional practices, and eliminating these inequities requires thoroughly analyzing existing and proposed policies to root out bias and promote equity, opportunity, and inclusion. This is why we are introducing legislation that would establish the Joint Legislative Equity Committee and provide legislators the ability to request a racial, ethnic, sex, and gender equity impact assessment for any legislation. These impact statements would examine whether pending bills, if enacted, would be likely to create or increase disparate outcomes among people of different races, ethnicities, sexes, and gender identities. These assessments would be a valuable tool to have as lawmakers to evaluate potential disparities of proposed legislation prior to adoption and implementation. Please join us in co-sponsoring this legislation to help prevent us from creating further inequities in our communities. Your consideration is greatly appreciated. |
Introduced as HB1085