California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have helped Black families reclaim or be compensated for property unjustly taken by the government. The bill would have allowed families to file claims if they believed their property was seized through eminent domain due to discriminatory motives. The veto was a setback for a package of reparations bills supported by the California Legislative Black Caucus, aimed at addressing racial disparities.
The vetoed bill was introduced by Democratic state senator Steven Bradford after a Black couple had beachfront property returned to them a century after it was taken through eminent domain. Bradford’s proposal was part of a larger effort to correct historic wrongs and provide reparations for past injustices. However, other bills creating a reparations agency and fund were blocked from receiving a final vote in the assembly, leading to concerns about oversight and funding.
The Newsom administration did not comment on the reparations agency and fund proposals, focusing instead on concerns about the budget and implementation costs of the eminent domain bill. The administration pushed for amendments allocating funds to California State University for studying reparations recommendations. While the outcome of reparations legislation in California remains uncertain, the Black Caucus continues to advocate for measures to address past injustices and promote racial equity.
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