State Reps. Borer, Farrar Propose Legislation On Board Diversity

West Haven CT

11 February, 2021

12:35 PM

Description

Press release from The Connecticut General Assembly: Feb. 11, 2021 State Representatives Kate Farrar (D – West Hartford) and Dorinda Borer (D – West Haven) have proposed and support the passage of House Bill 6211, An Act Concerning Gender and Racial Diversity on State Boards and Commissions, during the 2021 legislative session. The legislators believe HB 6211, raised before the Government Administration and Elections Committee has since been strengthened from a bill Rep. Borer first submitted during a 2020 session that was cut short due to the pandemic. The bill was originally proposed as a result of a 2020 Secretary of the State report which found that although there was an increase of diversity in representation on boards and commissions, women and people of color in Connecticut remain significantly underrepresented on our state's boards and commissions. The 2021 legislative version, among other things, recommends that the census data be used as a primary data point for appointments and that the qualified appointments to State Boards and Commissions reflect the gender and racial diversity of the state by 2025. "The findings in this report demonstrate the lack of inclusive representation of gender and racial diversity on our State Boards and Commissions as compared to the State's population and this needs to be addressed as decision makers should represent the population they serve," said Rep. Borer. "In addition to skill set and experience, diverse perspective is also an asset that should be considered when making appointments. When we do so, decision making on that board is enhanced through the contribution of different perspectives. It protects against groupthink." Representatives Borer and Farrar believe these aspects are a start in the right direction. Here's a look at legislation proposed for the 2021 session: All qualified appointments to State Boards and Commissions shall reflect the gender and racial diversity of the state by 2025. The census data from 2020 should be a primary data source to begin to target goals in 2021. Improve the data collection process to create timelier data collection and analysis. Add statutory language to empower the SOTS to require data collection at the time of appointment. Require the Secretary of the State to develop a report every 5 years regarding the composition of each Board. Any individual must complete the required SOTS data request to be appointed or reappointed. Communicate established goals to appointing authorities and all Board and Commission chairs. Develop public education and outreach strategies with community organizations to bring awareness and recruit diverse applicants. "Women and people of color account for 51.2% and 36.5% respectively of our CT population, but remain underrepresented on our public, taxpayer-funded boards and commissions," said Rep. Farrar said. "With this legislation, for the first time in our history, CT's state boards and commissions will reflect the diversity of our state by 2025. Diverse representation in leadership and governance not only taps our state's talent but offers a variety of perspectives on decisions that impact our state and our future." "'Opening up the process in the name of equity, fairness and inclusion, this bill is a necessary step in the direction that we can support," said State Representative Geraldo Reyes, Chair, Black and Puerto Rican Caucus. "The League of Women Voters of CT is happy to support HB 6211 to increase diversity on CT's boards and commissions and appreciate the gender and racial diversity represented by its sponsors," Carol Reimers, President. "We stand in support of House Bill 6211, as it is in perfect alignment with our efforts to make sure the population of the state is reflected in these important roles. Inclusive legislation, such as HB 6211, is a key first step in improving the quality of life for all Connecticut citizens," Adrienne W. Cochrane, Chief Executive Officer, YWCA Hartford Region. "It is crucial women, especially women of color, are invited to have a seat at every table where decisions impacting their lives are made." "We look forward to working with the leaders of the GAE Committee and our colleagues through the legislative process," Rep Borer added. This press release was produced by The Connecticut General Assembly. The views expressed here are the author's own.