California Democratic Lawmakers Block Two Bills Calling for Slavery Reparations
In California, Democratic lawmakers postponed two critical bills that would have advanced slavery reparations. The California legislature recently passed measures to compensate families whose land was seized and issued formal apologies for discriminatory laws, but these did not include direct payments to African Americans. In response, Black activists warned of a “direct impact” on Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign.
After intense debates, lawmakers left out Senate Bills 1403 and 1331, which would have created a fund and agency to oversee reparations. Members of the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California expressed frustration in the state capitol, with one man urging lawmakers to “bring the bills up now” and warning that Governor Gavin Newsom’s inaction would affect Harris’ presidential campaign. “The world is watching California,” one woman said.
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State Senator Steven Bradford, author of the measures, explained that the bills were held back due to concerns Governor Newsom would veto them. Bradford urged fellow lawmakers to push forward, saying, “We owe it to our ancestors.” The California Legislative Black Caucus, led by Assembly member Lori Wilson, acknowledged the bills needed more work, calling it a “multiyear effort.”
Governor Newsom signed a $297.9 billion budget in June, including $12 million for reparations-related initiatives, but specifics on how the funds will be used remain unclear. He has until September 30 to decide on the bills that did pass, while other states like New York and Illinois have begun considering similar reparations programs.
As tensions grow, activists continue to demand action, stressing that the delay could have significant political repercussions.
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