Protests erupt at California State Capitol after pair of reparations bills shelved

Sep 1, 2024 Story by: Editor

Two bills aimed at providing reparations for the descendants of enslaved Black Americans did not pass in the California legislature on Saturday, as supporters indicated that the measures would not move forward.

Senate Bill 1331 , introduced by Democratic state Senator Steven Bradford of Inglewood, proposed the establishment of a new state fund for reparations. Meanwhile, Senate Bill 1403 aimed to create a state agency responsible for overseeing reparations efforts and determining eligibility.

These bills were seen as vital components of lawmakers' broader efforts to address the legacy of racist policies that have led to disparities affecting Black individuals in areas such as housing, education, and health.

While the Democrat-led California legislature approved several other bills targeting past racial injustices, none of these measures included direct payments to African Americans.

Bradford expressed concern that the bills did not progress due to apprehensions that 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 stated, urging his colleagues to reconsider on Saturday afternoon.

California Legislative Black Caucus Chair Assemblymember Lori Wilson explained that the Black Caucus decided to withdraw the bills, emphasizing that the proposals require further refinement.

"We knew from the very beginning that it was an uphill battle.... And we also knew from the very beginning that it would be a multiyear effort," Wilson told reporters.

In a statement shared on X, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) noted it was "unable to participate in the legislative process collectively and only recently became aware of the concerns with [SB 1403]."

"We are well past the amendment deadline; therefore, the decision has been made to continue working on this bill and reintroduce it in the next session," the CLBC stated. "Regarding the status of Senate Bill 1331, the CLBC will not be moving it forward this year."

On Saturday, a group of reparations supporters gathered at the Capitol to protest.

The Coalition for a Just & Equitable California accused the CLBC of not bringing the bills to a vote despite having sufficient support to pass them.

"This type of betrayal cannot go unanswered. There must be a political price to pay. Gone are the days when politicians of any race or party can disrespect Black Americans and expect no political consequences. We are not captured. We do not belong to any party or special interest. We are the living embodiment of our Ancestors who built this state and this country over 400 years and who are owed Reparations. We're coming... No... We're HERE, to get our checks and more," the group wrote on X.

A member of the group added, "We need to send a message to the governor," according to video shared on X. "The governor needs to understand the world is watching California and this is gonna have a direct impact on your friend Kamala Harris who is running for president. This is going to have a direct impact, so pull up the bills now, vote on them and sign them. We’ve been waiting for over 400 years."

California Republican Assembly Member Bill Essayli of Corona attempted to introduce the bills for a vote, but no other lawmaker seconded his motion.

On X, Essayli accused Democrats of "going into hiding" and failing to bring the bills up for a vote after years of "promising to pay direct cash reparations to Americans who have been harmed by slavery."

Essayli, who claimed to have had a constructive dialogue with the bills' supporters, clarified that he did not endorse California taxpayers compensating for the wrongs of slave states but believed there should be a debate and a recorded vote on the matter.

"Politicians cannot be allowed to make promises to the people who elect them, and then hide like cowards when it’s time to go on record," Essayli asserted. "At minimum, the People were owed a hearing and opportunity to know where their elected representative stands on the issue."

Senate Bills 1331 and 1403 were placed on the inactive file before midnight.

The Democratic governor has not publicly addressed most other reparations-related bills, although he signed a nearly $300 billion budget in June that included up to $12 million for reparations initiatives. However, the budget did not specify how the funds would be allocated, and his administration has expressed opposition to some proposals. Newsom has until September 30 to decide on the remaining bills that have passed. Source: Fox News