California Allocates $12 Million for Reparations: Historic Commitment to Black Community

California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a budget that includes $12 million for reparations legislation, reflecting the state's efforts to address its legacy of racism. The funds, part of a $297.9 billion budget, have not been allocated to specific programs yet, and direct payments to Black Californians are not under consideration this year.

California is set to spend up to $12 million on reparations legislation, marking a historic effort to redress the state's racial injustices. The budget, signed by Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, underscores California's commitment to acknowledging and addressing a legacy of racism and discrimination against Black residents.

The $297.9 billion budget, which includes the reparations funding, does not detail specific programs for these funds. This year, lawmakers are not considering direct payments to Black Californians. Proposals for a formal apology, an agency to oversee reparations, and the identification of families affected by eminent domain are under legislative review.

The reparations allocation arrives at a time when federal efforts have stalled. State Sen. Steven Bradford emphasized the budget's reflection of values, celebrating the monetary commitment despite wishing for a larger sum. California leads the nation in this endeavor, with steps taken by Illinois and New York to study reparations, and Florida's provision of scholarships to massacre descendants as precedents.

Opposition persists, with critics like Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher arguing against burdening today's taxpayers for historical injustices. Amidst budget constraints, securing the $12 million was deemed a significant achievement, although inadequate, by Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire.

Efforts to provide property tax and housing relief to descendants of enslaved Black individuals were blocked, and proposed legislation for free tuition wasn't introduced, lamented task force chair Kamilah Moore. Still, the inclusion of reparations funding is a positive step, showing accountability and acknowledgment of historic harms.

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