After spirited debate, the state Assembly passed a bill considering reparations to address the lingering, negative effects of slavery The state Senate passed the measure hours later and the bill will be sent to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul for consideration
New York is following the lead of California, which became the first state to form a reparations task force in 2020. That group recommended a formal apology from the state on its legacy of racism and discriminatory policies and the creation of an agency to provide a wide range of services for Black residents. They did not recommend specific payments amounts for reparations.
“I’m concerned we’re opening a door that was closed in New York State almost 200 years ago,” said Republican state Assemblymember Andy Gooddell during floor debates on the bill. Gooddell, who voted against the bill, said he supports existing efforts to bring equal opportunity to all and would like to “continue on that path rather than focus on reparations.”
The commission would be required to deliver a report one year after their first meeting. Their recommendations, which could potentially include monetary compensation for Black people, would be non-binding. The legislature would not be required to take the recommendations up for a vote. Other state legislatures that have considered studying reparations include New Jersey and Vermont, but none have yet passed legislation. A Chicago suburb in Evanston, Illinois, became the first city to make reparations available to Black residents through a $10 million housing project in 2021.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New York lawmakers move to pass bill that considers reparations for slavery - New York Amsterdam NewsNew York would create a commission to consider reparations to address the lingering, negative effects of slavery under a bill passed by the state Assembly on Thursday.
Read more »
Officials: New York state, especially Long Island, is desperate for new lifeguardsLong Island's popular beaches are hoping to avoid a lifeguard shortage this summer, a shortage that is sweeping the nation. Perhaps a starting pay increase will help? McLoganTV reports.
Read more »
New York, New Jersey schools keep kids indoors as air quality plummets reportedly from Canada wildfiresPublic schools in NYC, Long Island and New Jersey are limiting outdoor activities Wednesday, as air quality worsens due to Canadian wildfires.
Read more »
Hotter, faster, stronger: Heat island effect endangers New Yorkers - New York Amsterdam NewsNeighborhoods with fewer ways to stay cool are doomed to have more people feel sick from the heat. Here’s why and how to handle the heat this summer.
Read more »
Here's Shawn Mendes' new single, care of New York's awful air qualityWhere some saw a grave indication of climate change in the sepia smoke that's been hanging over New York City, Mendes saw single art
Read more »
Hazardous air quality continues in New York City, Tri-State due to smoke from Canada wildfiresOfficials announced public schools in Newark and Elizabeth, New Jersey will be closed Thursday to protect students from the hazardous conditions.
Read more »