Equity in Government Act

This bill aims to make federal services fairer and easier to access for people and communities that have been left out. It adds “equity” into agency planning and performance, and sets up teams to guide, measure, and improve how services reach underserved groups. It also strengthens how agencies collect and use data so decisions are based on fair, accurate information. The bill is called the Equity in Government Act.

Agencies would define and focus on “underserved communities,” meaning groups or places that have been denied full chances to take part in economic, social, or civic life. Agency plans and goals must reflect this focus. A new Agency Equity Advisory Team in each agency would help leaders find gaps and improve service delivery. Government-wide groups would share best practices, coordinate data work, and hear directly from community organizations, states, and local governments. These steps are meant to make services more equitable in how they are designed, delivered, and measured .

• Who is affected

  • Federal agencies and their leaders, including performance and data officers.
  • People in underserved communities who rely on federal services.
  • Community groups, states, local governments, and research partners that will be consulted and share input.

• What changes

  • Agencies must include equity in strategic and performance plans and set goals that address service gaps.
  • Each agency must create an Agency Equity Advisory Team (at least 10 members from key offices) to guide improvements.
  • A new Equity Subcommittee helps agencies share what works, coordinate across government, and seek public input on equitable service delivery.
  • Chief Data Officers must ensure equitable data practices. A new Equitable Data Working Group inside the Chief Data Officer Council steers fair data collection, access, and use, and expands collaboration with community and research partners.

• When

  • The Government Accountability Office must review the data council’s progress within 4 years of enactment. The council cannot end until at least 2 years after that review is sent to Congress.