WHEREAS, On April 11, 1968, the Fair Housing Act was enacted into law, recognizing that no American should have the right to purchase or rent shelter of choice abridged because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity; and

WHEREAS, The year 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of this monumental civil rights Act of Congress; and

WHEREAS, The State of Washington is committed to the mission and intent of Congress to provide fair and equal housing opportunities for all; and

WHEREAS, Equality of opportunity for all is a fundamental policy of this nation and our state; and

WHEREAS, The location that people live has a direct impact on the quality of their health, education, and access to economic opportunities; and

WHEREAS, Discriminatory housing practices create racial and economic segregation in communities that can lead to disparate outcomes in overall quality of life; and

WHEREAS, The Washington State Senate believes that access to fair housing laws have made our communities stronger and more vibrant in Washington State; and

WHEREAS, We are committed to programs that will help educate the public about the right to equal housing in the State of Washington; and

WHEREAS, We are committed to promoting housing choices and fostering inclusive communities free from housing discrimination;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize the 50th Anniversary of the federal Fair Housing Act, and thank the many people and organizations in our communities who have opened the doors of housing opportunity to all citizens.

I, Brad Hendrickson, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 8721,

adopted by the Senate

February 26, 2018

BRAD HENDRICKSON

Secretary of the Senate