Latest news with #LegislativeBlackCaucus
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
South Carolina lawmaker wants Gov. Wes Moore disinvited to fundraiser after reparations veto
A Democratic lawmaker in South Carolina has called on his state party's leaders to rescind their invitation to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore to speak at a high-profile fundraising dinner next week because of the governor's veto of a bill to study reparations in Maryland. Moore is set to headline the South Carolina Democratic Party's annual Blue Palmetto Dinner — a frequent stop for potential presidential candidates in one of the most important early primary states. But after the governor's veto of a bill to study reparations on Friday, South Carolina Rep. John Richard Christopher King said Moore's invitation should be rescinded. 'This was not just a policy decision — it was a painful dismissal of the ongoing struggle for justice that Black Americans continue to face across this country,' King wrote in an open letter to his party on Monday. 'It was a rejection of the very acknowledgment that the wounds of slavery still bleed into the lives of our people today.' Moore, the only Black governor in the country, in his veto letter applauded the sponsors' intentions but said he believed it was important to act faster than waiting on 'another study.' '[N]ow is the time to focus on the work itself: Narrowing the racial wealth gap, expanding homeownership, uplifting entrepreneurs of color, and closing the foundational disparities that lead to inequality — from food insecurity to education,' Moore wrote, adding that he would be proposing policies to act on those ideas. Backlash from Maryland's Legislative Black Caucus and other supporters was swift, with longtime supporters of Moore calling his actions deeply disappointing and confusing. King, who is Black and has served in the South Carolina House of Representatives since 2009, in another lengthy Facebook post wrote that it was important to listen to Moore's perspective. But he said the bill was a 'significant step' that would not have immediately provided reparations payments but instead offered meaningful further study of the issue. Studying the issue is 'part of the repair' work after centuries of harm that has largely gone unacknowledged, he wrote. 'The optics of a Black governor vetoing a reparations study commission are, frankly, painful,' King wrote. 'And while Governor Moore may feel that action is more important than study, the two are not mutually exclusive. In fact, action without the moral, historical, and structural grounding that a commission provides runs the risk of being shallow, temporary, or politically expedient.' Moore's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday. King also did not immediately return a request for comment. During his trip to South Carolina on May 30, Moore is also scheduled to attend U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn's 'World Famous Fish Fry.' _________
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Maryland governor vetoes reparations bill
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) says he has vetoed a state-approved bill to create a commission to study and recommend reparations for slavery and racial discrimination. In his veto letter sent Friday, Moore pointed to several commissions the state has already approved, including the Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the State Commission to Coordinate the Study, Commemoration, and Impact of the History and Legacy of Slavery in Maryland. 'I will always protect and defend the full history of African Americans in our state and country,' Moore wrote in his letter. 'But in light of the many important studies that have taken place on this issue over nearly three decades, now is the time to focus on the work itself: Narrowing the racial wealth gap, expanding homeownership, uplifting entrepreneurs of color, and closing the foundational disparities that lead to inequality — from food insecurity to education.' Moore, the state's first Black governor and the nation's only sitting Black governor, also pointed to the rise of Black politicians in recent years, including Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D), who is Maryland's first Black female senator, and noted the state has a Black attorney general, Black state House Speaker and Black treasurer. 'We have moved in partnership with leaders across the state to uplift Black families and address racial disparities in our communities,' Moore said. 'That is the context in which I've made this difficult decision. Because while I appreciate the work that went into this legislation, I strongly believe now is not the time for another study. Now is the time for continued action that delivers results for the people we serve.' The bill, a top priority of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, detailed a host of potential reparations, including official statements of apology, financial compensation, assistance with making a down payment on a home, debt forgiveness and tuition payment waivers for higher education. The bill passed last month with a 101-36 vote in the state's House. The Legislative Black Caucus condemned Moore's veto Friday. 'At a time when the White House and Congress are actively targeting Black communities, dismantling diversity initiatives, and using harmful coded language, Governor Moore had a chance to show the country and the world that here in Maryland we boldly and courageously recognize our painful history and the urgent need to address it,' it said in the statement. 'Instead, the State's first Black governor chose to block this historic legislation that would have moved the state toward directly repairing the harm of enslavement.' California, Colorado, Massachusetts, New York and Illinois have all introduced efforts to pass reparations. Evanston, Ill., was the first city to approve a reparations plan for Black residents, followed by California's ambitious recommendation for eligible recipients to receive up to $1.2 million each. No federal legislation has passed yet, though Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) and Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) reintroduced H.R. 40, which would create a federal commission to examine the lasting impact of slavery, systemic racism and racial discrimination and explore measures — such as reparations — to address these harms. The legislation was first introduced in 1989. Meanwhile, Rep. Summer Lee (D-Pa.) on Thursday reintroduced the federal Reparations Now resolution, which would offer reparations to descendants of enslaved Africans and people of African descent. —Updated at 10:32 a.m. EDT Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
19-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Maryland governor vetoes reparations bill
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) says he will veto a state-approved bill to create a commission to study and recommend reparations for slavery and racial discrimination. In his veto letter sent on Friday, Moore pointed to several commissions the state has already approved, including the Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the State Commission to Coordinate the Study, Commemoration, and Impact of the History and Legacy of Slavery in Maryland. 'I will always protect and defend the full history of African Americans in our state and country,' Moore wrote in his letter. 'But in light of the many important studies that have taken place on this issue over nearly three decades, now is the time to focus on the work itself: Narrowing the racial wealth gap, expanding homeownership, uplifting entrepreneurs of color, and closing the foundational disparities that lead to inequality — from food insecurity to education.' Moore, the state's first Black governor and the nation's only sitting Black governor, also pointed to the rise of Black politicians in recent years, including Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D), the state's first Black female senator, and noted the state's Black attorney general, Black state House speaker and Black treasurer. 'We have moved in partnership with leaders across the state to uplift Black families and address racial disparities in our communities,' Moore said. 'That is the context in which I've made this difficult decision. Because while I appreciate the work that went into this legislation, I strongly believe now is not the time for another study. Now is the time for continued action that delivers results for the people we serve.' The bill, a top priority of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, detailed a host of potential reparations, including official statements of apology, financial compensation, assistance with making a down payment on a home, debt forgiveness and tuition payment waivers for higher education. The bill passed last month with a 101-36 vote in the state's House. Maryland's Legislative Black Caucus on Friday condemned Moore's veto. 'At a time when the White House and Congress are actively targeting Black communities, dismantling diversity initiatives, and using harmful coded language, Governor Moore had a chance to show the country and the world that here in Maryland we boldly and courageously recognize our painful history and the urgent need to address it,' the caucus said in the statement. 'Instead, the State's first Black governor chose to block this historic legislation that would have moved the state toward directly repairing the harm of enslavement.' California, Colorado, Massachusetts, New York and Illinois have all introduced efforts to pass reparations. Evanston, Ill., was the first city to approve a reparations plan for Black residents, followed by California's ambitious recommendation for eligible recipients to receive up to $1.2 million each. No federal legislation has passed yet, though Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) and Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) reintroduced H.R. 40, which would create a federal commission to examine the lasting impact of slavery, systemic racism and racial discrimination and explore measures — such as reparations — to address these harms. The legislation was first introduced in 1989. Meanwhile, Rep. Summer Lee (D-Penn.) on Friday reintroduced the federal Reparations Now resolution, which would offer reparations to descendants of enslaved Africans and people of African descent.
17-05-2025
- Politics
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore vetoes slavery reparations study, citing need for 'the work itself'
ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced Friday he will veto a measure to create a commission to study potential slavery reparations in the state, saying that while it was a difficult decision, the issue already has been studied and now is the time 'to focus on the work itself.' Moore, a Democrat who is the state's first Black governor and the only Black governor currently serving, wrote in his veto letter that he applauded the legislature's work on the bill. 'But in light of the many important studies that have taken place on this issue over nearly three decades, now is the time to focus on the work itself: Narrowing the racial wealth gap, expanding homeownership, uplifting entrepreneurs of color, and closing the foundational disparities that lead to inequality — from food insecurity to education,' Moore wrote. The governor also noted in his veto letter that Black politicians have risen to the highest levels of government in the state in recent years. For example, U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks is the state's first Black U.S. senator. Maryland also has a Black attorney general, a Black state House speaker and a Black treasurer. 'We have moved in partnership with leaders across the state to uplift Black families and address racial disparities in our communities,' Moore wrote. 'That is the context in which I've made this difficult decision. Because while I appreciate the work that went into this legislation, I strongly believe now is not the time for another study. Now is the time for continued action that delivers results for the people we serve.' The bill was introduced in this year's legislative session as a top priority of the Legislative Black Caucus, which, with 66 members, is the largest Black caucus in the nation's state legislatures. The caucus released a statement Friday night expressing deep disappointment in the governor's veto. 'At a time when the White House and Congress are actively targeting Black communities, dismantling diversity initiatives, and using harmful coded language, Governor Moore had a chance to show the country and the world that here in Maryland we boldly and courageously recognize our painful history and the urgent need to address it," the caucus said in the statement. 'Instead, the State's first Black governor chose to block this historic legislation that would have moved the state toward directly repairing the harm of enslavement.' The measure passed with strong support in the General Assembly, which is controlled by Democrats. The House voted 101-36 for the bill, and the Senate approved it 32-13. Both chambers approved the measure with margins large enough to override a veto, if all members who voted for the bill decided to vote to override the governor's veto. The legislature ended its regular 90-day session last month, and it would not take up veto overrides until lawmakers gather again, whether next year's regularly scheduled 90-day session in January, or a special session this year, if one were to be called. The governor's veto was one among 23 announced by the governor late Friday afternoon. 'The Senate will closely evaluate each veto from the Governor's Office and have more details on possible action in the near future," said David Schuhlein, a spokesman for Senate President Bill Ferguson. House Speaker Adrienne Jones issued a statement specifically on the governor's veto of creating the commission, saying 'I am proud of all our work during the 2025 session and grateful to lead a state that has always put these issues at the forefront of our policy discussions.' 'The work is not done, and I remain committed to working alongside all our partners to continue righting historical inequities,' the speaker, a Democrat, added. Potential reparations outlined in the bill included official statements of apology, monetary compensation, property tax rebates, social service assistance, as well as licensing and permit fee waivers and reimbursement. Reparations also could include assistance with making a down payment on a home, business incentives, childcare, debt forgiveness and tuition payment waivers for higher education. The governor wrote in his veto letter that over the last 25 years, Maryland has launched several commissions and study groups to examine the legacy of slavery in the state, from the Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission to the State Commission to Coordinate the Study, Commemoration, and Impact of the History and Legacy of Slavery in Maryland. 'The scholarship on this topic is both vast in scope and robust in scale,' Moore wrote. 'And we are grateful for the Marylanders who have contributed their expertise to the vital project of understanding how the legacy of slavery continues to impact Black communities in our state today.' Last year, California lawmakers passed some of the nation's most ambitious legislation aimed at atoning for a legacy of racist policies that drove racial disparities for Black people. None of the bills provided widespread direct payments to Black Americans. Instead, California lawmakers approved the return of land or compensation to families whose property was unjustly seized by the government, and issuing a formal apology. New York City lawmakers approved legislation last year to study the city's significant role in slavery and consider reparations to descendants of enslaved people.
Hamilton Spectator
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore vetoes slavery reparations study, citing need for ‘the work itself'
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced Friday he will veto a measure to create a commission to study potential slavery reparations in the state, saying that while it was a difficult decision, the issue already has been studied and now is the time 'to focus on the work itself.' Moore, a Democrat who is the state's first Black governor and the only Black governor currently serving, wrote in his veto letter that he applauded the legislature's work on the bill. 'But in light of the many important studies that have taken place on this issue over nearly three decades, now is the time to focus on the work itself: Narrowing the racial wealth gap, expanding homeownership, uplifting entrepreneurs of color, and closing the foundational disparities that lead to inequality — from food insecurity to education,' Moore wrote. The governor also noted in his veto letter that Black politicians have risen to the highest levels of government in the state in recent years. For example, U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks is the state's first Black U.S. senator. Maryland also has a Black attorney general, a Black state House speaker and a Black treasurer. 'We have moved in partnership with leaders across the state to uplift Black families and address racial disparities in our communities,' Moore wrote. 'That is the context in which I've made this difficult decision. Because while I appreciate the work that went into this legislation, I strongly believe now is not the time for another study. Now is the time for continued action that delivers results for the people we serve.' Reparations were a legislative priority The bill was introduced in this year's legislative session as a top priority of the Legislative Black Caucus, which, with 66 members, is the largest Black caucus in the nation's state legislatures. The caucus released a statement Friday night expressing deep disappointment in the governor's veto. 'At a time when the White House and Congress are actively targeting Black communities, dismantling diversity initiatives, and using harmful coded language, Governor Moore had a chance to show the country and the world that here in Maryland we boldly and courageously recognize our painful history and the urgent need to address it,' the caucus said in the statement. 'Instead, the State's first Black governor chose to block this historic legislation that would have moved the state toward directly repairing the harm of enslavement.' The measure passed with strong support in the General Assembly, which is controlled by Democrats. The House voted 101-36 for the bill, and the Senate approved it 32-13. Both chambers approved the measure with margins large enough to override a veto, if all members who voted for the bill decided to vote to override the governor's veto. The legislature ended its regular 90-day session last month, and it would not take up veto overrides until lawmakers gather again, whether next year's regularly scheduled 90-day session in January, or a special session this year, if one were to be called. The governor's veto was one among 23 announced by the governor late Friday afternoon. 'The Senate will closely evaluate each veto from the Governor's Office and have more details on possible action in the near future,' said David Schuhlein, a spokesman for Senate President Bill Ferguson. House Speaker Adrienne Jones issued a statement specifically on the governor's veto of creating the commission, saying 'I am proud of all our work during the 2025 session and grateful to lead a state that has always put these issues at the forefront of our policy discussions.' 'The work is not done, and I remain committed to working alongside all our partners to continue righting historical inequities,' the speaker, a Democrat, added. Reparations remain an ongoing issue Potential reparations outlined in the bill included official statements of apology, monetary compensation, property tax rebates, social service assistance, as well as licensing and permit fee waivers and reimbursement. Reparations also could include assistance with making a down payment on a home, business incentives, childcare, debt forgiveness and tuition payment waivers for higher education. The governor wrote in his veto letter that over the last 25 years, Maryland has launched several commissions and study groups to examine the legacy of slavery in the state, from the Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission to the State Commission to Coordinate the Study, Commemoration, and Impact of the History and Legacy of Slavery in Maryland. 'The scholarship on this topic is both vast in scope and robust in scale,' Moore wrote. 'And we are grateful for the Marylanders who have contributed their expertise to the vital project of understanding how the legacy of slavery continues to impact Black communities in our state today.' Last year, California lawmakers passed some of the nation's most ambitious legislation aimed at atoning for a legacy of racist policies that drove racial disparities for Black people. None of the bills provided widespread direct payments to Black Americans. Instead, California lawmakers approved the return of land or compensation to families whose property was unjustly seized by the government, and issuing a formal apology. New York City lawmakers approved legislation last year to study the city's significant role in slavery and consider reparations to descendants of enslaved people.
