Bill Declares Racism a Public Health Crisis

June 2, 2021

The legislation includes a declaration of racism as a public health crisis. After hours of spirited debate, SB 1 passed with broad bipartisan support and is now on the Governor's desk for his signature.

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SB 1 provisions include:

  • Creating a Commission on Racial Equity in Public Health charged with making recommendations to decrease racism’s effect on the public health and to create a strategic plan to eliminate health disparities and inequities
  • Improving recruitment and retention of healthcare workers of color
  • Providing employers with tools to support their mental health needs
  • Establishing a gun violence intervention and prevention committee
  • Improves demographic data collection

I am proud to have stood with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass this comprehensive bill on substantive steps to address systemic inequities in our state.