Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) responded on Tuesday to the California Reparations Task Force's proposal of an estimated $800 billion in reparations for black residents, stating that the issue was about "more than cash payments." The task force voted on Saturday in favor of a model that could cost the state over $800 billion, which would be more than twice its annual budget.
Newsom had been quiet about the task force's proposals since he created it back in 2020 as a response to the fallout from George Floyd's death. The new proposal aims to send payments of up to $1.2 million per eligible individual and has sparked debate among Californians.
The nine-member reparations task force approved a scheme based on calculations relating to losses incurred by specific types of racial discrimination experienced by black residents. Examples include over-policing and mass incarceration ($2,352 lost per person per year) as well as discriminatory lending and zoning practices between 1933 and 1977 ($3,366 per year).
However, not everyone at their meeting was impressed with these calculations set forth in the draft report. Reverend Tony Pierce, CEO of Oakland-based Black Wall Street organization expressed his frustration with what he sees as America’s “broken promise” while Elaine Brown, former chairwoman of the Black Panther Party urged people dissatisfied with this approach to express their frustrations through demonstrations.
Despite signing a bill establishing this task force last year wherein five out of its nine members were appointed by him directly; Governor Newsom declined public support for recommended reparations outlined by them so far which will be presented first at their next meeting then later submitted before state Legislature lawmakers by July 1st if successful enough following review upon completion sometime during early June where they are expected receive strong backing especially given how there more than two million black people living across California alone – a significant number even without considering those from other ethnic backgrounds also affected by similar issues such as systemic racism.
Newsom emphasized the importance of "breaking down barriers to vote, bolstering resources to address hate, enacting sweeping law enforcement and justice reforms to build trust and safety" instead of simply distributing cash payments. This sentiment was met with criticism from California Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher who described it as a “fool” and “political stunt.”
As of now, only Rep. Barbara Lee out of California's entire Congressional Democratic delegation has explicitly supported the task force’s recommendations which include housing discrimination payments worth $148,099; mass incarceration penalties amounting up towards $115,260 per person affected over time plus an additional annual sum around £13,619 designed specifically aimed at addressing ongoing healthcare disparities faced amongst this particular community group today still after all these years despite various efforts made trying change that situation for better so everyone can enjoy equal opportunities access quality care regardless their race or ethnicity here within our great state.