The New York State Legislature has approved a bill that paves the way for a commission to explore the concept of reparations for slavery’s lasting effects.
The legislation, which mirrors an initiative in California, mandates the commission to scrutinize how the federal and state government supported slavery and the subsequent disparities experienced by Black people in New York today.
The proposed commission, comprising members appointed by the New York Assembly Speaker, the governor, and the state Senate’s legislative leader, will need to present a report one year after its first meeting.
The recommendations, which may potentially suggest monetary compensation for Black residents, will not be binding and the legislature will not be obligated to consider them for a vote. Critics argue that the federal government should be responsible for handling reparations due to the significant potential cost, with fears that state initiatives might distract from the need for a comprehensive federal program.
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