Maryland Governor Wes Moore, a Democrat, announced he would veto state-approved bills aimed at studying and forming a committee for recommending reparations related to slavery and racism.
In his veto letter sent on Friday, Moore referenced existing committees already established by the state to address the work of Maryland’s Lynching and Reconciliation Commission, which has been focused on research, memorialization, and the state’s slavery history.
“I will always protect and defend the complete history of African Americans in our state and country,” Moore noted. “But considering the extensive research done over the past nearly thirty years, it’s time to direct our attention to tangible work: reducing the racial wealth gap, expanding homeownership, supporting entrepreneurs of color, and addressing the basic inequalities such as food insecurity and education.”
As Maryland’s first Black governor and the only Black governor in the nation, Moore also highlighted the recent increase of Black politicians in the state, mentioning Maryland’s first Black female senator, Angela of Alexandria, as well as leadership in the House of Representatives and the state treasury.
“We have collaborated with leaders throughout the state to uplift Black families and tackle racial disparities,” Moore said. “This context is important in the decision I’ve made. While I appreciate the intentions behind this proposed law, I firmly believe it’s time for action that will yield real results for the communities we serve.”
This bill, which was a key objective for Maryland’s Legislative Black Caucus, outlined various reparative measures that included official apologies, financial compensation, support for family home purchases, debt relief, and tuition assistance for higher education.
Passed by a vote of 101-36 in the state House last month, Moore’s veto drew criticism from Maryland’s Legislative Black Caucus.
“With the White House and Congress currently undermining Black communities by dismantling diversity initiatives and employing harmful rhetoric, Governor Moore had a chance to show both the nation and the world the essential need to confront these issues directly,” the Caucus stated.
“Instead, the state’s first Black governor opted to reject this historic legislation that would have taken steps toward repairing the damages of slavery.”
Other states, like California, Colorado, Massachusetts, New York, and Illinois, have also initiated efforts in the direction of reparations. Notably, Evanston, Illinois, became the first city to pass a reparations plan for Black residents, while California proposed substantial recommendations that could benefit individuals with claims up to $1.2 million.
Additionally, Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) and Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) reintroduced HR 40, a federal bill that aims to create a committee for examining the ongoing impact of slavery and systemic racism. This legislation, originally introduced in 1989, has yet to pass at the federal level.
On a related note, Rep. Summer Lee (D-Penn) is set to reintroduce a federal reparations bill on Friday, which would propose compensation for descendants of enslaved Africans and people of African descent.
