SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recent veto of a bill aimed at helping Black families reclaim or receive compensation for unjustly taken property by the government has sparked controversy and disappointment.
The bill, which would have established a process for families to file claims if they believed their property was seized through eminent domain due to discriminatory motives without fair compensation, was seen as a crucial step in addressing historical injustices.
However, the bill faced a major setback as lawmakers blocked another bill to create a reparations agency that would have reviewed these claims, rendering the proposal ineffective on its own.
In a statement, Newsom expressed gratitude to the bill’s author for addressing past racial injustices but cited the lack of an existing state agency to implement the bill’s provisions as the reason for his veto.
The veto significantly impacted a comprehensive package of reparations bills supported by the California Legislative Black Caucus this year. The proposals aimed to tackle racial disparities and historical wrongs faced by Black Americans in the state for decades.
Democratic state Sen. Steven Bradford, the bill’s sponsor, introduced the measure following the return of a beachfront property to a Black couple in Los Angeles, a century after it was taken through eminent domain from their ancestors.
Bradford emphasized the importance of creating a framework for reparations and rectifying historical injustices with his proposal. Alongside the eminent domain bill, Bradford introduced other measures to assist Black families in researching their lineage and developing reparations programs.
Despite these efforts, the Black caucus members blocked the reparations agency and fund bills from progressing, citing concerns about oversight and legislative priority.
Newsom’s administration also faced criticism for opposing the eminent domain bill due to budget considerations, highlighting the complexities and costs involved in implementing such reparations programs.
Overall, the veto of the bill underscores the challenges and complexities in addressing historical injustices and providing reparations for marginalized communities, particularly Black Americans.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
