Gov. Hochul signs bill to create commission to study potential reparations

NEW YORK (WABC) — In an effort to acknowledge the horrific injustices of slavery and its continual impact across generations, Governor Kathy Hochul is taking measures toward racial justice by looking into potential reparations. On Tuesday, Gov. Hochul signed a legislation to create a commission to study reparations for Black New Yorkers. A nine-member commission will be tasked with studying the effects of slavery and make non-binding recommendations on reparations. This group consists of three members appointed by the governor, three by the Assembly and three by the Senate. Gov. Hochul says this is all in an effort to “right the wrongs” of history. “Today, we are continuing our efforts to right the wrongs of the past by acknowledging the painful legacy of slavery in New York,” she said. “We have a moral obligation to reckon with all parts of our shared history as New Yorkers, and this commission marks a critical step forward in these efforts.” The bill was signed to a round of applause at the New York Historical Society and comes after it was passed 41-21 in the senate and 106-41 in the assembly in June. Legislation S.1163-A/A.7691 acknowledges the significant role the institution of slavery has...