Equity in Government Act
The Equity in Government Act would make multiple changes across civil service law and federal data governance to strengthen how federal agencies deliver services to underserved communities and individuals. Key ideas include embedding equity goals in agency planning and performance systems, creating an Agency Equity Advisory Team to guide cross-agency equity work, and expanding the role of Chief Data Officers to emphasize equitable data collection, sharing, and use. The bill would also establish an Equity Subcommittee within the Performance Improvement Council to coordinate practices and solicit input from non-governmental groups. It adds new definitions to clarify who is considered underserved and broadens the term “State” to cover tribes and other US jurisdictions. Finally, it requires ongoing evaluation of these new equity duties by the GAO and ties certain Council activities to the work of the Chief Data Officer Council and an Equitable Data Working Group.
Key Points
- 1Agency planning and performance tied to equity: Agencies would be required to include at least one equity-related goal (or 20% of total goals) in their strategic plans, performance plans, and priority goals, with an emphasis on improving equitable provision of services to underserved communities and individuals. External stakeholders (NGOs, academic partners, state/local governments, community and advocacy groups) would be involved in planning to address equity.
- 2New governance bodies for equity: Establishment of an Agency Equity Advisory Team (headed by the agency’s leadership) with at least 10 members representing key offices (e.g., policy, civil rights, data, finance, procurement, user experience, communications, public engagement). A new Equity Subcommittee of the Performance Improvement Council would support guidance, cross-agency information sharing, and coordination with the Chief Data Officer Council’s Equitable Data Working Group.
- 3Expanded Chief Data Officer responsibilities: The Chief Data Officer (CDO) framework would require agencies to apply the CDO Council’s equitable data recommendations, expand collaboration with external partners, and emphasize equitable policymaking, access, and data collection. The Equitable Data Working Group would ensure equity is prioritized in data-related functions and meet at least quarterly to issue recommendations.
- 4Broadened definitions and scope: The bill defines “State” to include the District of Columbia, commonwealths, territories/possessions, and federally recognized Indian Tribes. It defines “underserved communities” and “underserved individuals” to cover populations and geographic areas systematically denied full participation in economic, social, and civic life.
- 5Oversight, evaluation, and sunset timeline: The GAO would evaluate whether the new duties improve equitable data collection and use, including program evaluation. The Council and its Equitable Data Working Group would not terminate until at least two years after the GAO report, ensuring ongoing oversight.