January 1, Newsom Shifts Stance on Reparations

Well, partners, it seems like we’re wranglin’ with the age-old question of reparations once again. But ol’ Governor Newsom, he’s dancin’ a different jig now, ain’t he? Once gung-ho about payin’ reparations to descendants of slaves, he’s now backin’ away from the idea like a rattlesnake just crossed his path.

“The number of whites who were enslaved by the Barbary pirates in North Africa exceeded the number of Africans enslaved in the United States and in the American colonies before that—put together. But nobody is going to North Africa to ask for reparations, because nobody is going… pic.twitter.com/LDwA4OwFTl

— Natalie Jean Beisner (@NJBeisner) May 10, 2023

California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) has recently expressed skepticism over the idea of paying reparations to descendants of slaves. This follows a reparations task force, established by Newsom in 2020, concluding that California owes black residents $1.2 million each, albeit limiting eligibility to descendants of slaves.

Yesterday it was announced that California defaulted on an $18.5 billion debt. Who will pay it back? The businesses in California according to federal government regulations. Meanwhile, Governor Newsom task force approved reparations payments and will submit a public apology… pic.twitter.com/dm988PWwkV

— 🇺🇸Travis🇺🇸 (@Travis_in_Flint) May 8, 2023

The recommendations, approved last weekend, will now proceed to the state legislature for consideration.

Fox News Digital reported that Newsom, possibly considering future presidential aspirations, is now less supportive of cash payments as a means of dealing with the legacy of slavery.

While praising the task force’s work, he refrained from endorsing any specific recommendations. Instead, Newsom pledged to continue working on systemic changes that promote inclusivity and equality for all Californians.

The governor emphasized that addressing the legacy of slavery extends beyond cash payments, pointing to several initiatives already underway: removing barriers to voting, providing resources to address hate, enacting law enforcement and justice reforms, and improving economic mobility.

He also mentioned investments in housing, education, and healthcare to reduce disparities and enhance equity.

Newsom alluded to the committee’s policy recommendations, which include overturning Proposition 209—a law prohibiting the use of race in state hiring and contracts.

Critics of the reparations task force argue that Newsom and the Democrats may have planned to disregard some proposals, only to blame Republicans for obstructing their implementation.

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