Democrat proposes tax on gold, cotton, tobacco and other ‘slave’ goods

A California Democrat wants to tax sales of gold, cotton, tobacco and other goods linked to slavery — and to divert the money to black residents, in the latest bid to turn reparations into reality. The bill by Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer is one of more than a dozen bills backed by the California Legislative Black Caucus seeking reparations for black Californians, especially the descendants of slaves. They stem from a July 2023 report from the state Reparations Task Force, where Jones-Sawyer served as a member, and underscores efforts to turn controversial policies into a legally-binding compensation scheme. Starting in July 2025, those buying ‘gold bullion and gold coins’ in California would pay a tax at the point of purchase, Jones-Sawyer’s bill states. The tax would also apply to ‘tangible property made in whole or in part from cotton, or tobacco products.’ Those buying ‘wine, olives, cane sugar, granulated sugar, rice, and coffee beans’ in stores would also pay the tax. Poll Do you support a federal reparation policy directed at the descendants of slaves? Yes 318 votes No 10555 votes Not sure 52 votes Now share your opinion The tax rate is ‘unspecified’ at this point, the bill states. The...