California’s push for reparations has hit an unexpected snag, with key legislation paused over fears of a veto from Governor Gavin Newsom. As frustration mounts among activists, concerns are growing that this delay could have far-reaching political consequences.
Pauses for Reparations
Legislative attempts to pass reparations in California have hit a roadblock because of concerns about a veto by Newsom. This pause has caused frustration among many Black activists and legislators.
Approved Legislation
During the session, legislators approved some proposals. One was for returning land or financially compensating families whose property was unfairly taken by the government.
A Formal Apology
The other approved proposal was to issue a formal apology for any passed laws and practices that have caused uniform harm to Black people in the state.
Where It Falls Short
Despite these approvals, there were no bills passed to provide direct payments to Black Californians. This has generated the most criticism, as many residents have expected reparations since the subject was first approached a few years ago.
Key Bills On Hold
Two critical pieces of legislation, Senate Bills 1403 and 1331, would have created a fund and agency to supervise the distribution of financial reparations. Many have expressed concerns over these two bills not advancing to the next steps.
Concerns About Governor Newsom
Lawmakers and activists fear Governor Gavin Newsom might eventually refuse to sign the bills. This has led to the decision to pause their advancement.
Newsom’s Ambiguity
While Newsom has openly expressed his support for reparations efforts and financing similar proposals, he has not taken a clear stance on the current bills. It’s possible that the current proposals are underdeveloped and not yet ready to be signed into law.
Newsom’s Reparations Budget
Newsom approved $12 million for reparations from the $297.9 billion budget. However, it did not specify which proposals would be chosen, and his administration indicated that it might not pass some.
The Role of the Legislative Black Caucus
The California Legislative Black Caucus has openly pushed for reparations but decided to pull the bills in order to refine them further. Many members have expressed their intention to continue the fight after revision.
Bradford’s Worries
State Senator Steven Bradford, author of the bill, expressed concern about Newsom’s approval. He believed it highly likely that Newsom would veto them and has every intention to still move forward with the legislation.
Push to Fight
Bradford told the Associated Press, “We’re at the finish line, and we, as the Black Caucus, owe it…to Black Californians and Black Americans, to move this legislation forward.”
More Work to Be Done
Assemblymember Lori Wilson said the proposals still need more work, commenting that the members “knew from the very beginning that it would be a multiyear effort” and an “uphill battle.”
Task Force Origins
The push for these reparations began in 2020. A task force was created and financed to research the best plan for reparations and possible policies.
Activists Demand Urgency
Activists have responded to the legislative pause, stressing the urgency of passing these reparations. Many have emphasized that Black Americans have been waiting for justice for centuries, so legislators must act urgently.
“Scared of the Governor”
One Coalition for a Just and Equitable California member said that lawmakers are “killing their own bills because they’re scared of the governor.”
The Impact of Legislative Inaction
The decision not to move forward with these bills during this session has prompted concerns about other reparations efforts. There are worries that if these bills are not passed, other states may also halt their legislation.
A Threat to Harris’ Presidency
Another woman in the Coalition believes this pause could affect “Kamala Harris who is running for president.” Some activists want to send a message to the governor to hurry up and approve the bills.
September 30 Deadline
Newsome now has until September 30 to decide whether to actually sign the two bills that passed through the session.
Reparations in Other States
California’s commitment to reparations has inspired other initiatives, like the ones in New York, Illinois, and Washington, D.C. There is more interest in passing reparations around the country.
Future Reparations Efforts
California’s failure to pass these bills has created concerns about how political inaction could affect Black Californians. The Black Caucus and Newsom’s next steps will be important for the future of reparations in the state.
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