California Democrats Reach Agreement Of $12M Budget For Black Reparations Programs

by Sharelle Burt June 25, 2024 Way to go, Cali! Gov. Gavin Newsom and fellow Democratic leaders announced the budget—$12 million—set aside to support reparations-related bills on the docket to pass in 2024. Legislators announced the impressive new budget on June 22 with some of the specifics that go along with it. Allotted money will support several proposals–15 in total–drafted by the Legislative Black Caucus, such as having the Golden State issue an apology for the pain and suffering inflicted on Black Californians during slavery.  Assemblywoman Lori Wilson called the move “a win” because, in addition to the bills, the budget will support two constitutional amendments, including one that has yet to be drafted. “Even in a challenging deficit year, we’ve had our leadership and the governor recognize the obligation to those impacted by slavery,” Wilson said.  The approval was exactly what Black lawmakers hoped for after a yearlong battle following task force study results examining how lawmakers could enact reparations. However, not all residents are on board with the idea. In September 2023, a poll from the University of California, Berkeley revealed several residents were against Black residents receiving any form of reparations, including cash payments.  Fifty-nine percent of...