Albany Dems are slated to pass legislation soon to examine whether black New Yorkers deserve reparations for slavery and other historical wrongs.
Bill A7691 would establish a nine-member commission to offer non-binding suggestions on how cash payments, “laws, policies, programs” or other approaches could address racial inequality.
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It relates to acknowledging the fundamental injustice, cruelty, brutality, and inhumanity of slavery in the city of New York and the state of New York; establishes the New York state community commission on reparations remedies to examine the institution of slavery, subsequently de jure and de facto racial and economic discrimination against African-Americans, the impact of these forces on living African-Americans and to make recommendations on appropriate remedies; provides for the repeal of such provisions.
Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages (D-Valley Stream), who is sponsoring the bill, said “Reparations is more than just about compensation. I think New York is in a unique spot to really define the conversation around reparations and make sure that it’s not just about compensation, but really about acknowledgment and reconciliation of chattel slavery and its legacies.”
The Assemblywoman said reparations could take forms other than cash payments.
The proposal pushes New York front and center into the national debate over reparations following similar efforts in places like California.
Other legislators are weighing in on the bill, some willing to give it a chance, while others heavily oppose it.
Sen. Jabari Brisport (D-Brooklyn) said critics ought to give the commission a chance considering how experts might have worthy ideas on addressing the legacies of slavery and systemic racism in New York.
As expected there is opposition to the bill, with some legislators saying “New York doesn’t need a commission to tell us that slavery was wrong” – Assemblyman Matt Slater (R-Yorktown)
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R-Fulton) dismissed the legislation as an attempt by New York Democrats to “out-liberal” their counterparts in other states.
He said, “This is an unreasonable and unworkable measure, opposed by the vast majority of Americans but still being pushed by radical New York Democrats.”
The bill is expected to pass by Friday before sending it to Gov. Kathy Hochul before the end of the year, who said she would review, consider and think and it.
