In the last three years, the Biden-Harris Administration has led the way on racial equity. They passed key laws like the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act. These efforts have set a new standard for how we work together as a nation.
These government initiatives, policy programs, and public sector projects are key to making our society more fair, open, and responsive. They help us tackle the big challenges we face today.
Key Takeaways
- The Biden-Harris Administration has championed racial equity through landmark legislation, including the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act.
- 90 federal agencies released Equity Action Plans in 2022 to address barriers faced by underserved communities.
- Federal agencies updated their Equity Action Plans in 2023 to address potential barriers that underserved communities may continue to face.
- Federal agencies included over 100 new commitments and strategies in their updated Equity Action Plans.
- Agencies are using innovative strategies to embed equity in day-to-day governing as part of the 2023 updates to the federal agency Equity Action Plans.
The Importance of Open and Inclusive Governance
The United States has always valued open government and inclusive governance. These values are key to democracy and empower citizens. They have shaped the nation’s growth, marked by important events and global leadership in open government.
Historical Milestones of Openness and Inclusion in the United States
The country has made big steps in civil rights, giving more people access to government info, and making government more accountable. Events like the Civil Rights Act, the Freedom of Information Act, and open data efforts have made governance more open and inclusive.
The Role of the United States in Promoting Open Government Globally
The United States leads the global open government movement. It’s a key member of the Open Government Partnership. With over 120 countries, the U.S. aims to improve transparency, accountability, and civic participation in governance. Its leadership inspires other countries.
| Key Open Government Initiatives | Impact |
|---|---|
| Transparency efforts | The most widespread within open government initiatives |
| Initiatives to promote accountability and responsiveness | Represent a frontier in open government maturity |
| Open data initiatives | Utilized by many governments to enhance transparency, participation, accountability, and responsiveness |
| Right to information laws | Adopted by over 120 countries to support openness and access to government data |
| Open Government Partnership | Nearly 100 countries and localities are members, emphasizing the importance of open data initiatives |
The U.S.’s strong support for open government and inclusive governance is a key part of its democracy. It guides the country in creating a more transparent, accountable, and responsive government.
Themes of the Fifth U.S. Open Government National Action Plan
The Fifth U.S. Open Government National Action Plan has over 30 commitments. These aim to make the government more transparent, engaging, and accountable. It includes ideas from civil society and the Biden-Harris Administration.
Improve Access to Government Data, Research, and Information
The plan promises to make more government data, research, and information available. It will improve the National Archives Catalog with better search tools and design. The Department of Justice plans to update the FOIA Self-Assessment Toolkit and make FOIA.gov easier to use.
Increase Civic Space to Engage the Public
This plan focuses on letting citizens have a say in government decisions. It aims to improve how the public can give feedback and use government data.
Transform Government Service Delivery
The plan wants to make government services easier to get and more responsive to people’s needs. It plans to remove barriers to public benefits and use data more fairly to help underserved communities.
Counter Corruption and Ensure Government Integrity and Accountability
Stopping corruption and following the law are key parts of the plan. It includes publishing a Federal Evidence Agenda on LGBTQI+ Equity and updating the Department of Justice FOIA Self-Assessment Toolkit.
Ensure Equal Justice Under the Law
The plan stresses the need for fairness and equal treatment in the law. It aims to fix past wrongs and make sure government services and benefits reach everyone, including those in underserved areas.
The Fifth U.S. Open Government National Action Plan is a big step forward. It aims to make the government more transparent, engaging, and accountable. By focusing on these themes, it hopes to empower citizens, improve services, and ensure the rule of law for everyone.
Advancing Equity and Inclusion for Underserved Communities
The Biden-Harris Administration has made equity and inclusion a top priority. They focus on helping communities that have faced discrimination and exclusion. On his first day, President Biden signed Executive Order 13985. This order tells agencies to work on making things fair for everyone, especially for people of color and others who have been left behind.
The Biden-Harris Administration’s Commitment to Equity
This focus on helping underserved communities guides the government’s plans and actions. The administration works on many areas, like the economy, jobs, safety, justice, and environmental issues. Their efforts aim to make things better for everyone.
- The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 helped make things more fair and equal for underserved communities.
- Under the current Administration, nearly 11 million jobs were created. This led to lower unemployment rates, especially for Black and Latino workers, not seen in 50 years.
- The Child Tax Credit helped reduce child poverty to its lowest level ever in 2021. It had a big impact on Black, Latino, Native American, and rural children.
- Emergency rental help programs were set up to keep millions of families in their homes.
- Rules were made to stop Federal contractors from paying people with disabilities low wages, promoting fair employment.
The administration is also investing in infrastructure and supporting Tribal Nations and Native American communities. They’re working to increase Federal Government contracts for small disadvantaged businesses. These steps show the administration’s dedication to a fair and inclusive society.
Equity as a Cross-Cutting Theme
The Biden-Harris Administration has made equity and inclusion a key focus in the Fifth Open Government National Action Plan. They’re working to give a voice to underserved communities. This plan is in line with Executive Order 13985 and builds on community engagement efforts over the past two years.
Engaging with Underserved Communities in Plan Development
The plan aims to include diverse views and public input from communities that rarely get involved in government. It also includes new promises to help these communities more in social, economic, and civic life. By focusing on equity, the administration wants to make sure the plan meets the needs of underserved groups.
“We are committed to building a government that truly reflects the diversity of America and delivers for all communities, especially those that have been marginalized and left behind for far too long.”
– President Joe Biden
Delivering Equitable Outcomes Across Key Areas
The Biden-Harris Administration is working hard to make things fair and equal in many areas. This includes the economy and education. They want to fix old problems and remove barriers to make a better society for everyone.
Building a More Equitable Economy
The Administration is helping workers and job seekers who have faced discrimination. They are making social safety nets stronger and supporting businesses in under-served areas. Their goal is to make sure everyone has a fair chance to succeed.
Achieving Equity in Education
Education is key to getting ahead, so the Administration is tackling education issues. They want to make sure all students have the same chances, from the start to college. By supporting inclusive programs, they aim to make education fair for everyone.
| Government Initiatives to Promote Equity | Key Outcomes |
|---|---|
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“Equity is not just a moral imperative, but an economic one. When everyone has a fair shot, our nation is stronger and more prosperous for all.”
The Biden-Harris Administration is all in on equity, economic equity, and educational equity through government programs. They know that fairness is key to a strong and prosperous nation. By tackling big issues and giving everyone a fair chance, they want to help all Americans reach their full potential.
Prioritizing Environmental Justice and Climate Resilience
The Biden-Harris Administration is focused on environmental justice and climate resilience. They want to make things fairer across the country. For a long time, decisions about the environment didn’t consider how pollution and climate change affect low-income communities and communities of color.
To fix this, the Administration started the Justice40 Initiative. This plan aims to make sure 40% of the benefits from federal investments in things like climate change and clean energy go to communities that have been left behind. These communities have faced a lot of pollution and not enough investment.
Government agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Energy are working on this. They’re picking programs to help and talking with people to make sure these investments help the most needed communities. The White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council also gives advice on fighting environmental injustice and climate issues.
The Administration has taken over 200 actions to fix the harm from past rollbacks. They’re pushing for a strong plan to focus on environmental justice. This means making offices and strategies at agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Justice more focused on fairness and justice.
By putting environmental justice and climate resilience at the center, the Biden-Harris Administration is leading the way to a better future. They’re working to bring real help to communities that have been left out. This will make our future more just and sustainable for everyone.
| Key Initiative | Details |
|---|---|
| Justice40 Initiative |
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| Environmental Justice Advisory Council |
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| Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) |
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The Biden-Harris Administration’s focus on environmental justice and climate resilience is a big change. It promises to bring real help to communities that have been left out. This will help make our future more just and sustainable for everyone.
Reinvigorating the Work of Civil Rights Offices
The Biden-Harris Administration is working hard to improve civil rights and help underserved communities. They are focusing on making sure everyone gets equal justice and protection under the law. This includes making federal civil rights offices more effective.
Advancing Health Equity and Access to Care
Improving healthcare for everyone is a big goal for the Administration. They want to make sure everyone has access to good, affordable healthcare. This will help make healthcare more fair for all.
- The Office for Access to Justice was set up in 2016 to make legal help more available to everyone.
- The Justice Department is looking into how to make the criminal justice system fairer for everyone.
- The Attorney General will come up with a plan in 120 days to help more people get legal help.
- Over 20 federal agencies are working together to help low-income and minority communities with legal issues.
The Administration is also focusing on disability rights and civil rights. They are working on new rules and programs to support these rights.
“The United States Commission on Civil Rights, established in 1957, plays a crucial role in investigating and reporting on issues related to civil rights, including voting rights, sex, age, and disability discrimination.”
The Biden-Harris Administration wants to make society more just and welcoming for everyone. They believe in giving everyone the same chances and protecting everyone’s rights.
Reforming the Criminal Justice System
The Biden-Harris Administration knows we need to change the criminal justice system fast. [https://www.illinois.gov/news/press-release.22830.html] Many Black and brown people, and those from low-income areas, face big challenges in this system.
The Administration wants to fix this with a detailed plan. They aim to lower incarceration rates, end racial bias, and help people reintegrate into society. They’re also tackling gun violence, which hurts communities of color a lot.
This work is key to making things fairer and more just. By tackling the deep-seated issues, they hope to create a system that treats everyone equally. This means a system that’s just, kind, and fair for everyone.
“We must acknowledge that the current system has been shaped by a history of racial injustice. It’s time to enact bold, transformative changes that break down systemic barriers and create a more inclusive, fair, and effective criminal justice landscape.”
In states like Illinois, we’re seeing big steps towards change. Lawmakers are focusing on safety, helping people with minor crimes, updating laws, and making police more accountable.
By tackling the big issues of incarceration and gun violence, the Administration is working for a fairer society. With ongoing efforts and working together, we can end the cycle of unfairness. The goal is a justice system that values fairness, chance, and safety for all.
Promoting Inclusive Democracies Worldwide
The Biden Administration is deeply committed to global democracy and inclusive governance. It sees international cooperation as key to this goal. The U.S. aims to empower underrepresented communities and strengthen inclusive democracies across the globe.
The World Movement for Democracy meets in places like Korea and Tanzania to talk about democracy and grassroots movements. In 2016, 75 young leaders from Africa joined a meeting in Tanzania. They focused on building partnerships between civil society, government, and the private sector. This is crucial for promoting global democracy and equity.
The Hurford Youth Fellowship Program helps young democracy activists become leaders. It gives them tools to boost political participation and shape policy making. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) also puts about $565 million each year into inclusive governance and development at the local level.
- The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) supports justice programs in over 20 countries, promoting human rights and the rule of law.
- Every year, around 60 countries get electoral help from the United Nations. This is either by request or under a Security Council or General Assembly order.
- The United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) gives money to projects that help civil society and boost global democracy.
With American leadership and international cooperation, the Biden Administration is pushing for equity and inclusion worldwide. This effort matches its work at home to build a more responsive and inclusive government.
| Initiative | Impact |
|---|---|
| World Movement for Democracy | Convened meetings to discuss democratic principles and movements, with 75 emerging leaders from Africa participating in a 2016 meeting in Tanzania. |
| Hurford Youth Fellowship Program | Develops the leadership skills of young democracy activists from various countries to enhance political participation and influence policy making. |
| United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) | Invests an average of $565 million annually to support inclusive governance and development at the local level. |
| UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) | Has actively supported transitional justice programs in over 20 countries worldwide in the past 15 years, promoting human rights and the rule of law. |
| United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) | Funds projects that empower civil society and promote global democracy. |
“By leveraging American leadership and international cooperation, we are working to advance equity and inclusion for underserved communities around the world.”
government initiatives to Empower Rural Communities
The Biden-Harris Administration is investing a lot to help rural communities in the U.S. They’re using the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund projects. These projects aim to bring fast internet, lower wildfire risks, improve roads, and give rural areas clean drinking water.
Investing in Rural American Infrastructure
The Administration’s infrastructure plans are creating jobs and making life better for people in rural areas. They’re funding projects to update roads, improve internet, and help protect against natural disasters.
Delivering Clean, Reliable Water to Rural America
Many rural areas struggle with access to clean water. The Biden-Harris Administration is tackling this issue with investments in water systems. They’ve set aside over $700 million for water and wastewater projects in Indian Country. This will help make sure everyone has safe, affordable water.
Lowering Energy Costs and Strengthening the Grid
The Administration wants to make energy cheaper and the grid stronger in rural areas. They’re giving $9.7 billion to rural electric cooperatives through the Empowering Rural America and Powering Affordable Clean Energy programs. This money will help them invest in clean energy and make the grid more reliable. This means rural communities will have cheaper, steady electricity.
| Initiative | Key Details |
|---|---|
| New ERA Program |
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| Water and Wastewater Projects |
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These government efforts are empowering rural communities. They’re investing in important infrastructure, bringing clean water, and making the energy grid stronger. These actions are creating jobs, improving life quality, and making sure all Americans have what they need to succeed.
Conclusion
The Fifth U.S. Open Government National Action Plan shows the Biden-Harris Administration’s strong support for a government that helps everyone. It aims to make government data and info more accessible. This will help people get involved, improve services, fight corruption, and ensure justice for all.
This plan is part of a bigger effort to help racial equity and support those who are often left out. The Administration wants to work with civil society for a government that serves everyone. With government initiatives, open government changes, and a focus on equity, the U.S. is ready to help all citizens. No one will be left behind.
Going forward, the Administration will keep focusing on being open, letting people participate, and being accountable. This ensures the government meets the people’s needs. Together, we can create a future that is just, fair, and prosperous for everyone.
FAQ
What is the long history of the United States striving for a more inclusive, accountable, and responsive government?
What are the key themes of the Fifth U.S. Open Government National Action Plan?
How is the Biden-Harris Administration prioritizing a focus on advancing equity and inclusion?
How is the Biden-Harris Administration delivering equitable outcomes across key areas like the economy and education?
How is the Biden-Harris Administration prioritizing environmental justice and climate resilience as part of its commitment to advancing equity?
How is the Biden-Harris Administration reinvigorating the work of federal civil rights offices and advancing health equity?
How is the Biden-Harris Administration working to reform the criminal justice system and address racial disparities?
How is the Biden-Harris Administration strengthening inclusive democracies worldwide?
How is the Biden-Harris Administration making significant investments to empower rural communities across the United States?
Source Links
- Advancing Equity and Racial Justice Through the Federal Government | The White House – https://www.whitehouse.gov/equity/
- Shared Solutions and Performance Improvement – https://www.gsa.gov/governmentwide-initiatives/shared-solutions-and-performance-improvement
- Policy Issues – United States Department of State – https://www.state.gov/policy-issues/
- PDF – http://pubdocs.worldbank.org/en/825341611678799699/Open-and-Inclusive-Government.pdf
- PDF – https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/inclusive-government-for-a-more-inclusive-society_5jrxt39525wk.pdf
- Fifth U.S. Open Government National Action Plan – https://open.usa.gov/national-action-plan/5/
- White House Releases Fifth Open Government National Action Plan to Advance a More Inclusive, Responsive, and Accountable Government | OSTP | The White House – https://www.whitehouse.gov/ostp/news-updates/2022/12/28/white-house-releases-fifth-open-government-national-action-plan-to-advance-a-more-inclusive-responsive-and-accountable-government/
- PDF – https://open.usa.gov/assets/files/NAP5-fifth-open-government-national-action-plan.pdf
- Executive Order on Further Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through The Federal Government | The White House – https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/02/16/executive-order-on-further-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government/
- Advancing Equity at HHS – https://www.hhs.gov/equity/index.html
- Advancing Equity at the Department of the Interior | U.S. Department of the Interior – https://www.doi.gov/blog/advancing-equity-department-interior
- Cross-cutting Themes – InterAction – https://www.interaction.org/choose-to-invest-fy-2023/cross-cutting-themes/
- Cross-Cutting Issues – United States Department of State – https://www.state.gov/cross-cutting-issues/
- Advancing an Equitable Government – https://www.performance.gov/equity/
- Government’s role in scaling equity – https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/public-sector/government-trends/2024/equity-and-equality-in-government.html
- Justice40 Initiative | Environmental Justice | The White House – https://www.whitehouse.gov/environmentaljustice/justice40/
- 5 Significant Moments Driving Environmental Justice in the US – https://www.wri.org/insights/significant-moments-driving-environmental-justice-us
- Environmental Justice | The White House – https://www.whitehouse.gov/environmentaljustice/
- Attorney General Launches Review to Reinvigorate the Justice Department’s Commitment to Access to Justice – https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/attorney-general-launches-review-reinvigorate-justice-department-s-commitment-access-justice
- Commemorating the Olmstead Anniversary with Revitalized – https://www.hhs.gov/blog/2023/06/22/commemorating-olmstead-anniversary-revitalized-enforcement-initiative.html
- Reinvigorating the Nation’s Civil Rights Debate: – https://www.usccr.gov/files/pubs/docs/Strategicweb.pdf
- Top Trends in Criminal Justice Reform, 2022 – The Sentencing Project – https://www.sentencingproject.org/fact-sheet/top-trends-in-criminal-justice-reform-2022/
- Criminal Legal Reform – https://www.aclu-in.org/en/issues/criminal-legal-reform
- Promoting Inclusive Governance – World Movement for Democracy – https://www.movedemocracy.org/promoting-inclusive-governance
- Democracy | United Nations – https://www.un.org/en/global-issues/democracy
- The Biden-Harris Administration is taking actions to improve the health of rural communities and help rural health care providers stay open – https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/11/03/department-health-human-services-actions-support-rural-america-rural-health-care-providers.html
- Empowering Rural America New ERA Program – https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/electric-programs/empowering-rural-america-new-era-program
- H. Rpt. 109-377 – A Failure of Initiative: Final Report – https://govinfo.library.unt.edu/katrina/conclusion.pdf
- What can we expect? – Aidspan – https://aidspan.org/the-conclusions-of-the-future-of-global-health-initiatives-process-lusaka-agenda-what-can-we-expect/