Gov. Lamont orders new state inclusion office, Republicans aren’t pleased

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Gov. Ned Lamont’s issued an executive order on Tuesday that will create a new state office on equity and inclusion, a plan that the Connecticut House of Representative’s Republican leader is calling “ill-conceived.”

“I firmly believe that government should actively seek out and engage with individuals and opinions beyond those who typically have access and opportunity because doing so will create a stronger workforce within government while also crafting more effective and representative public policies,” Lamont said in a written statement. “State government is accountable to the public and we have a responsibility to maintain trust and confidence by demonstrating our commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and social progress. By doing everything we can to create a fair, equitable, and inclusive environment representative of the people who live in our state, we can address historical and ongoing disparities and promote social justice.”

The Connecticut Office of Equity and Opportunity seeks to get rid of “institutional and systematic barriers” and create “opportunity and access for all those it serves and employees,” according to the announcement. The office will be funded through existing budget appropriations. Lamont plans to appoint a chief equity and opportunity officer.

Under the order, all state employees must be trained on diversity, equity and inclusion. Agencies are ordered to create an equity plan.

One of Connecticut top Republicans, however, said the state should prioritize other issues.

“The primary worry for Connecticut residents isn’t about the inclusiveness of their state government, but its effectiveness in providing services,” Connecticut House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora (District 86) said in a written statement. “They need timely responses when they contact state agencies for information or assistance. They want optimal use of their tax dollars. This is why the Governor’s executive order to appoint a DEI czar is ill-conceived. Rather than installing what will surely be a mind-numbing layer of bureaucracy to manufacture illogical outcomes, Governor Lamont should prioritize a more basic yet crucial goal: bringing state employees back to the office.”

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