California Governor Gavin Newsom Declines to Back Reparations Checks

California Governor Gavin Newsom has declined to endorse the cash payments proposed by the state's reparations task force. The task force had recommended cash payments of up to $1.2 million for a single person as part of their reparations plan.

The reparations task force was created in October 2020 when Gov. Newsom signed Bill AB 3121 into law, making it the nation's first ever task force to study and recommend reparations for African Americans. The task force recently released its findings, which included recommendations for how the state should address the legacy of slavery and systemic racism.

In response to these recommendations, Gov. Newsom said he would not be endorsing cash payments as reparations, arguing that the issue was much more complex than simply providing money to those affected by slavery and systemic racism. He believes that addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach that includes investments in education, housing, health care and economic opportunity.

Gov. Newsom also noted that while he does not support cash payments as part of the reparation process, he does support other recommendations made by the task force such as creating a public memorial or museum dedicated to African American history and culture in California as well as establishing an advisory council on African American affairs within his office.