One Year Later Funding Issues And State Recognition Vary

Juneteenth: A New Federal Holiday, But Not All States Are On Board

One Year Later, Funding Issues and State Recognition Vary

Juneteenth, the newest federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery, is still not fully recognized by all states. One year after President Biden signed the legislation into law, 26 states have not yet authorized the funding that would allow for state employees to take the day off. This means that many federal workers will be getting a paid day off on June 19th, while state workers in those 26 states will not.

State Recognition of Juneteenth

In addition to the funding issue, there is also some variation in how states are recognizing Juneteenth. While 28 states and the District of Columbia have designated Juneteenth as a public holiday, the other 22 states have not. This means that state government offices in those 22 states will not be closed on Juneteenth. However, many private businesses in those states are choosing to observe Juneteenth, with many offering a paid day off or holiday pay.

Corporate Recognition of Juneteenth

More than 460 companies are observing Juneteenth at this point, with many offering a paid day off or holiday pay. This is a significant increase from last year, when only a handful of companies offered paid time off for Juneteenth. The growing corporate recognition of Juneteenth is a sign that the holiday is becoming more widely accepted and celebrated.

Juneteenth is a day to commemorate the end of slavery and to celebrate the freedom and equality that all Americans deserve. It is a day to reflect on the past and to work towards a better future. While there is still some work to be done to ensure that Juneteenth is fully recognized and celebrated by all states, the progress that has been made in the past year is encouraging.