California reparations bills fail amid legislative hurdles
Reparations bills for Black Americans stalled in California legislature
Two bills related to reparations for the descendants of enslaved Black Americans did not pass in the California legislature on Saturday. Supporters indicated the bills would not proceed.
Senate Bill 1331, proposed by Democrat state Senator Steven Bradford of Inglewood, aimed to establish a state fund for reparations. Senate Bill 1403 sought to create a state agency to manage these efforts and determine eligibility.
These bills were central to lawmakers’ attempts to address what they identified as a legacy of racist policies impacting Black people’s access to housing, education, and health services.
Although the Democrat-led California legislature passed several other bills to address past racial injustices, none included direct payments to African-Americans.
The On Time Caucus is ready to go for the last week of Session! #CALeg pic.twitter.com/CzS7KpTJcj
— Diane B. Dixon (@DianeDixonAD72) August 28, 2024
Bradford stated the bills stalled due to concerns Governor Gavin Newsom might veto them. “We’re at the finish line, and we, as the Black Caucus, owe it to the descendants of chattel slavery, to Black Californians and Black Americans, to move this legislation forward,” Bradford urged colleagues to reconsider on Saturday afternoon.
California Legislative Black Caucus Chair Assembly member Lori Wilson said the Black Caucus withdrew the bills, noting they required further work. “We knew from the start it was an uphill battle… and a multiyear effort,” Wilson told reporters.
In a statement on X, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) expressed that they were “unable to participate in the legislative process collectively and only recently became aware of the concerns with [SB 1403].” The CLBC decided to continue refining the bill and reintroduce it next session. They also confirmed SB 1331 would not advance this year.
Proponents of reparations gathered at the Capitol on Saturday for demonstrations. The Coalition for a Just & Equitable California criticised the CLBC for not bringing the bills to a vote, despite having the necessary support. “This type of betrayal cannot go unanswered. Politicians cannot disrespect Black Americans without political consequences. We are the living embodiment of our Ancestors who built this state and this country over 400 years and who are owed Reparations,” the group declared on X.
This statement is false. The truth is that @CABlackCaucus (CLBC) lied and cheated to stop #Reparations bills from getting to the Governor’s desk. Again, Black legislators stopped Reparations bills for Black Americans in California. We had the votes to pass the bills and they knew… https://t.co/Y8gjcrL8ap pic.twitter.com/q5FZ75xhAe
— Coalition For A Just & Equitable California (@cjecofficial) September 1, 2024
California Republican Assemblymember Bill Essayli of Corona motioned for a vote on the bills, but no other lawmakers supported the motion. On X, Essayli accused Democrats of avoiding the vote despite years of “promising to pay direct cash reparations to Americans harmed by slavery.” While he disagreed with California taxpayers funding reparations for wrongs committed by slave states, he believed in the necessity of a debate and a recorded vote on the issue. “Politicians cannot make promises and then hide when it’s time to go on record,” Essayli stated. “The People were owed a hearing and an opportunity to know their elected representative’s stance.”
SB 1331 and 1403 were placed on the inactive file before midnight.
Governor Newsom has not commented on most other reparations-related bills but signed a nearly $300 billion budget in June, including up to $12 million for reparations legislation. The budget did not specify which proposals the funds would support, and Newsom’s administration has opposed some of them. He has until 30 September to decide on the remaining bills.
When asked for comment on Saturday, the governor’s office referred to Newsom’s earlier remarks: “I haven’t [just] read [the Reparations report] — I’ve devoured it. I’ve analyzed it. I’ve stress tested against things we’ve done, things we’re doing, things that we’d like to do, but can’t do because of constitutional constraints. And I’ve been working closely with the Black Caucus.”
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Sacramento Observer reports on California reparations bills stalling in legislature, sparking outrage and disappointment among advocates.(read more)
- Politico reports that California slavery reparations bills unraveled over Gavin Newsom’s amendments, which proposed further study instead of creating a new agency, disappointing advocates and causing concerns among the California Legislative Black Caucus.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What are Senate Bill 1331 and Senate Bill 1403?
SB 1331 would create a state fund for reparations, and SB 1403 would establish an agency to oversee eligibility.
Why did the reparations bills fail in California?
The bills didn’t move forward due to fears of a veto from Gov. Gavin Newsom.
What did the California Legislative Black Caucus say about the bills?
They said the proposals need more work and will be reintroduced in the next session.
What was the reaction of the Coalition for a Just & Equitable California?
They accused CLBC of betrayal for not bringing the bills up for a vote despite having the votes to pass them.
What did Gov. Gavin Newsom say about the reparations report?
He said he had devoured and analyzed it and was working closely with the Black Caucus.
