Newsom Backtracks: Now Open to Cash Reparations for Slavery

Breitbart News reports that California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) now says he is open to the idea of cash reparations for slavery, after he indicated several days ago he was opposed to the idea recommended by his own task force.

Newsom signed a law in 2020 establishing a reparations task force to examine whether California owed money for slavery. The committee concluded that California owed black residents who are descendants of slaves $1.2 million each.

Newsom initially balked at the committee’s recommendations, saying that confronting the legacy of slavery “is about much more than cash payments.” But a backlash from black activists nudged Newsom back in the opposite direction.

A spokesperson for Newsom clarified his comments in an email statement to The Bee: “The sensationalized framing in pieces published by outlets like Fox News and others is inaccurate. The Governor looks forward to reviewing the final report — and all recommendations — when complete.”

Newsom’s chief communication advisor, Anthony York said that Newsom is not backing away from cash payments, but wants to wait for the report in its entirety to arrive on his desk before he makes any decision.

The committee’s other, non-cash recommendations include overriding the will of the voters and repealing the law that prevents California from using race-based policies, such as affirmative action, in state actions.

Now might be a good time to remind Newsom that California was a free state since its inception in 1850. It owes nothing to the descendants of slaves.