California budgets $12 million for reparations laws

In California’s new state budget, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) over the weekend, $12 million has been allocated for reparations bills. While the money was allocated within the state’s $297.9 billion budget, it was not made clear what the funds will be used for or how it will be dealt out. According to a report from the Associated Press, some programs are not being considered by lawmakers, like direct payments made directly to Black Californians. The state’s reparations task force is continuing to study how California could atone for discrimination against African Americans. As of now, no decision has been made, but several possibilities are being discussed. One option no longer on the table is a proposal that would have seen widespread payments to descendants of enslaved Black people. After backlash for the payment proposal, state lawmakers are working to find an agreeable answer for how to issue reparations, including issuing a formal apology for California’s discrimination against the Black community. California’s legislative branch is discussing the possibility of identifying Black families who had their homes unfairly seized through eminent domain. The state is also considering creating an agency to administer reparations, though the Assembly Committee on Appropriations estimated...