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Annapolis, MD – Governor Wes Moore vetoed a bill Friday that would have established a commission to study reparations for slavery and subsequent discriminatory practices in Maryland. While acknowledging the urgent need to address historical injustices and the resulting wealth gap, Moore indicated he will unveil alternative strategies during Juneteenth.
The proposed commission would have examined the lingering effects of slavery and discriminatory laws enacted between 1865 and 1965. The commission’s mandate included exploring various reparative measures, ranging from formal apologies and direct cash payments to legislative action.
Delegate Gabriel Acevero, a supporter of the bill, emphasized the interconnectedness of unity, justice, and truth-telling in achieving meaningful progress. The 23-member commission would have been tasked with recommending potential policy changes, such as assistance with social services, down payments, debt forgiveness, childcare coverage, and property tax rebates.
However, the bill faced opposition. Delegate Matthew Morgan criticized the proposal as a “race-based reparations tax,” arguing against what he termed a Marxist concept of equity.
Governor Moore’s forthcoming announcement on Juneteenth is now highly anticipated as Maryland grapples with its complex history and seeks pathways toward a more equitable future.