Free Houses Based on Skin Color? Washington Democrats Say Yes [WATCH]

Lawmakers in Washington State have approved a program that provides race-based down payment assistance to qualifying individuals, with no requirement to demonstrate any personal history of housing discrimination.

The move marks a major shift in the state’s housing policy and is raising concerns about race-based criteria for taxpayer-funded programs.

The policy, passed by Washington State Democrats this week, builds on the Covenant Homeownership Program, which was originally introduced in 2023.

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At the time, the program was pitched as an initiative to assist individuals whose families may have been affected by past housing discrimination practices, such as restrictive covenants and redlining.

However, the most recent update to the program removes any need to prove individual or familial harm.

Instead, eligible recipients — identified by racial or ethnic background — may now receive forgivable down payments of up to $120,000 with zero percent interest financing to purchase a home.

According to the state’s updated implementation plans, qualifying applicants include Black Americans, Koreans, Pacific Islanders, and other selected racial minorities.

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The funds distributed under the program are described as “forgivable,” meaning the recipients will not be required to repay the money under the terms laid out by the state.

The assistance is designated specifically for use as a down payment on a home purchase in Washington State.

The Washington State Legislature passed the modifications with backing from Democratic leadership.

Supporters claim the program is aimed at addressing disparities in homeownership rates.

Critics argue that distributing taxpayer dollars based solely on race — without any individual assessment of past discrimination — is a significant departure from the program’s originally stated goal and may raise equal protection concerns.

The legislation does not apply to all first-time homebuyers, and white applicants are not included unless they belong to a recognized racial minority group as defined by the state

There is also no financial hardship or income requirement to prove economic disadvantage tied to historical housing policies.

Originally, the Covenant Homeownership Program was framed as a response to past housing discrimination practices that prevented certain racial groups from purchasing property or obtaining financing in specific neighborhoods.

But the revised plan now functions as a direct housing subsidy targeted by race, rather than demonstrated harm.

The program will be funded through an existing fee on real estate transactions in Washington State, which was increased in 2023 to support the initiative.

That increase was specifically intended to fund housing access and support mechanisms, though the racial targeting of the down payment assistance was not initially emphasized in the public discussion surrounding the legislation.

As he signs the bill, @GovBobFerguson thanks Rep. Jamila Taylor for her “leadership” in getting the bill passed. Her brand of leadership was accusing Republicans who didn’t support the bill of racism and making a weird comment about them wanting to call her a “monkey.” pic.twitter.com/zg3fIYEqMD

— Brandi Kruse (@BrandiKruse) April 24, 2025

The changes have already drawn pushback from critics who argue that race-based preferences in public funding may face legal scrutiny.

Some are comparing the program to other recent initiatives in higher education and public contracts that were struck down in court for violating the principle of race neutrality.

As the program moves forward, the Washington State Department of Commerce will oversee the disbursement of funds and implementation.

State officials have not yet released detailed demographic data or eligibility thresholds beyond racial criteria, and additional regulatory guidance is expected in the coming months.

The revised Covenant Homeownership Program is expected to begin accepting applications later this year.

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