The Maryland House voted on Tuesday to override a veto imposed by Democratic Governor Wes Moore and to set up a commission to consider reparations for slavery.
Why It Matters
Maryland could follow in the footsteps of several other cities and states in the U.S. that have sought to address their legacy of slavery and discrimination.
But proposals for programs that would benefit descendants of slaves at large are sensitive, especially at a time when the administration of President Donald Trump has been dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion programs across the federal government.
What To Know
Moore, Maryland’s first Black governor, had vetoed the bill to set up the commission in May, saying there had been enough study on the legacy of slavery and it was time to “focus on the work itself” to address it.
However, state Democratic legislators, who control both chambers of the legislature, decided that a commission was needed to examine reparations.
“This topic isn’t easy, but, again, without formal study, reparations risk being dismissed as symbolic or unconstitutional, regardless of moral merit,” State Senator Charles Sydnor said.
The legislation passed on Tuesday calls for the Maryland Reparations Commission to “study and make recommendations relating to appropriate benefits to be made to individuals whose ancestors were enslaved in the State or were impacted by certain inequitable government policies.”
According to the legislation, the types of benefits appropriate for reparations could include: statements of apology; monetary compensation; property tax rebates; social service assistance; licensing and permit fee waivers and reimbursement; down payment assistance for the purchase of residential real property; business incentives; child care; debt forgiveness and higher education tuition payment waivers and reimbursement.
Moore, the nation’s only Black governor, said that while he disagrees with the legislature’s decision, he is “eager to move forward in partnership on the work of repair that we all agree is an urgent and pressing need.”
“I believe the time for action is now – and we must continue moving forward with the work of repair immediately,” Moore said in a statement. “That mission is especially vital given the immediate and ongoing effects of this federal administration on our constituents, including communities that have been historically left behind.”
What People are Saying
Maryland’s Legislative Black Caucus, in a statement: “At a time of growing attacks on diversity and equity, today’s action reaffirms our shared commitment to truth-telling, accountability, and meaningful progress for Black Marylanders.”
What Happens Next
The legislation requires the commission to submit a preliminary report by January 1, 2027, and a final report of its findings and recommendations by November 1 of that year.
This article uses reporting by the Associated Press.
