WASHINGTON–Congress has passed legislation establishing June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States.
The vote comes at the same time another credit union has announced plans to close on Juneteenth this year.
The Senate passed its resolution first, moving forward after Wisconsin Republican Sen. Ron Johnson, who blocked the bill in 2020, arguing the day off for federal employees would cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, dropped his objection.
"Although I strongly support celebrating Emancipation, I objected to the cost and lack of debate," said Johnson in a statement. "While it still seems strange that having taxpayers provide federal employees paid time off is now required to celebrate the end of slavery, it is clear that there is no appetite in Congress to further discuss the matter."
The measure then passed the House 415-14. The bill now goes to President Biden for his signature.
History of Juneteenth
On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger announced in Galveston, Texas, the end of slavery in accordance with President Abraham Lincoln's 1863 Emancipation Proclamation.
In 1980, Juneteenth became a Texas state holiday. In the decades since, every state but South Dakota came to officially commemorate Juneteenth, but only a handful of states observe it as a paid holiday.
WSECU To Close
Meanwhile, in Olympia, Wash., WSECU said it will close on both June 18 and 19, as the 19th falls on a Saturday this year. The day will be a paid holiday for staff.
The credit union said it is encouraging employees and members to learn more about the history of Juneteenth, reflect on its importance and participate in local or virtual Juneteenth celebrations.
“Making strides toward greater racial equity happens in multiple steps and in multiple ways,” said Ann Flannigan, VP-public relations. “We believe one piece of this is thoughtfully recognizing Juneteenth as a holiday at the credit union.”
Flannigan said in a statement the early response to the announcement has been overwhelmingly positive, as indicated by engagement with social media posts and messages to the Contact Center.
Economic Inequities
“Economic and racial inequities are often connected,” added Flannigan. “One needs only to look at the racial disparities in household wealth or the rates of homeownership to see that the financial services industry has work to do to assure the financial health of all Washingtonians. We’re on our own journey as a credit union to assure we contribute to the solutions.”