Share this @internewscast.com

SAN FRANCISCO — California’s Legislative Black Caucus released a slate of reparations bills to implement ideas from the state’s landmark task force on the issue. The proposals include potential compensation for property seized from Black owners, but do not call for widespread direct cash payments to descendants of enslaved Black people.

If approved, the proposals would expand access to career technical education, fund community-driven solutions to violence and eliminate occupational licensing fees for people with criminal records. Another proposal would pay for programs that increase life expectancy, better educational outcomes or lift certain groups out of poverty.

Some of the measures would require amending the state constitution and are likely to face opposition. In 2022, the Democrat-controlled state Senate voted down a proposal to ban involuntary servitude and Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has resisted restricting solitary confinement for prison inmates.

State Sen. Steven Bradford, D-Gardena, said at a news conference Thursday that the Black caucus’ priority list does not preclude individual lawmakers from introducing additional reparations legislation. He cautioned that the journey will be long and difficult, but worth it.

“This is a defining moment not only in California history, but in American history as well,” said Bradford, who served on the nine-person state task force on reparations.

But the 14 proposals are already drawing criticism from advocates who don’t think they go far enough.

Chris Lodgson, an organizer with the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California, which pushed to create the reparations task force, said the proposals are “not reparations.”

“Not one person who is a descendant who is unhoused will be off the street from that list of proposals. Not one single mom who is struggling who is a descendant will be helped,” he said. “Not one dime of the debt that’s owed is being repaid.”

California entered the union as a free state in 1850, but in practice, it sanctioned slavery and approved policies and practices that thwarted Black people from owning homes and starting businesses. Black communities were aggressively policed and their neighborhoods polluted, according to a groundbreaking report released as part of the committee’s work.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Person of interest in Kris Boyd shooting is in custody

Suspect Detained in Connection with Kris Boyd Shooting Investigation

Authorities detained a 20-year-old individual on Monday near Buffalo, New York, in…
Florida mom says teens ‘lured’ 14-year-old daughter into woods before shooting, setting her on fire: report

Florida Mother Alleges Teens Entrapped 14-Year-Old Daughter Before Shooting and Setting Her Ablaze: Report

The grieving mother of Danika Troy, a teenager from Florida who was…
Turning Point chapter head rips Christian school for banning political groups after org forced underground

Turning Point Leader Criticizes Christian School’s Ban on Political Clubs, Prompting Secret Gatherings

A student at a Christian university in California claims that her chapter…
Amid struggle to pay Cook County property taxes, Cook County assessor faces angry questions at West Garfield Park, Chicago meeting

Cook County Assessor Confronted by Concerned West Garfield Park Residents Over Property Tax Challenges

CHICAGO (WLS) — This week, the Cook County Assessor’s Office is hosting…
Magnitude 7.5 quake strikes off Japan's northern coast, injuring at least 23 people; triggers 2-foot tsunami

Powerful 7.5 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Northern Japan, Injuring 23 and Sparking 2-Foot Tsunami

Late Monday evening, a significant earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 rattled…
'Never Ever Surrender': Idaho Bar Owner Fights Back Against Alleged Death Threats Over ICE Offer

Idaho Bar Owner Defiantly Responds to Death Threats Amid ICE Controversy

An Idaho bar proprietor is more determined than ever after he claimed…
Oscar Mayer begins search for new class of Wienermobile drivers

Oscar Mayer Launches Nationwide Hunt for Next Wienermobile Team

Oscar Mayer is on the lookout for 12 enthusiastic individuals to embark…
'See you in court': Muslim civil rights group responds to terrorist designation by Florida governor

Florida Governor’s Controversial Terrorist Label Sparks Legal Battle with Muslim Civil Rights Group

On Monday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis officially labeled one of the nation’s…
Gov. JB Pritzker signs HB 1312 creating legal protections for immigrants in Illinois at La Villita Community Church in Chicago

Gov. Pritzker Enacts HB 1312: Strengthening Immigrant Protections in Illinois

In a significant move aimed at bolstering legal protections for immigrants, Governor…
Vermont school district flies Somali flag amid massive fraud investigation in divisive move: GOP chair

Vermont School District Sparks Controversy by Raising Somali Flag Amid Ongoing Fraud Investigation, GOP Chair Criticizes Decision

A rural school district in Vermont has ignited debate on social media…
Louisiana father with ‘heart of gold’ dies after rifle accidentally discharges during hunting trip

Tragic Hunting Accident Claims Life of Beloved Louisiana Father Known for His ‘Heart of Gold

A hunting trip in Louisiana ended in tragedy when a father, known…
CDC warns Americans traveling to 4 countries over outbreak of untreatable mosquito disease

CDC Issues Travel Alert: Untreatable Mosquito-Borne Illness Detected in Four Countries

Amidst the ongoing outbreaks of a mosquito-borne illness that currently lacks a…