In California’s reparations initiative, a task force member downplays the significance of the proposed monetary sum, referring to it as the “smallest fragment” of their plan.
This notion arises even as the committee ponders allocating a sum close to triple the state’s current budget for compensating African American citizens, with the aim of atoning for historical injustices of slavery and subsequent prejudice.
Economic Analysts Predict California’s Reparations Scheme May Cost Over $800 Billion
Cheryl Grills, a proficient therapist and a vital participant in the California Reparations Task Force, articulated her support for reparations.
A mere month ago, economic analysts postulated that the Golden State’s reparation scheme might incur expenses exceeding $800 billion in a preliminary approximation.
$800 Billion & Counting… California Reparations Board Confronted To Make Good On Years Of Reparation Rhetoric https://t.co/Tlvtok8Rbh
— US Burning (@UsBurning) March 30, 2023
In determining this figure, the task force sought the insights of five distinguished economists and policy connoisseurs.
However, it is important to note this sum does not encompass restitution for assets purportedly seized unfairly, nor the depreciation of African American-owned enterprises.
Presently, California’s annual budget amounts to approximately $300 billion.
Grills Criticizes Media’s Focus on Monetary Value in California Reparations Plan
Previously, the task force contemplated a proposition to bestow close to $360,000 per individual upon nearly 1.8 million African American Californians, each possessing a forebear once enslaved within the U.S. borders.
Under such circumstances, the initiative’s aggregate expenditure would approach a staggering $640 billion.
NEW: California is considering giving $360,000 in reparations to each black resident.
No wonder why 500,000 have left California in the past 2 years.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 4, 2023
The feasibility of California financing extensive reparations remains shrouded in ambiguity. In January, Newsom revealed the state’s anticipated budget shortfall of $22.5 billion in the forthcoming fiscal year.
A few weeks later, the California Legislative Analyst’s Office deduced in a follow-up analysis that Newsom’s projection underestimated the deficit by nearly $7 billion.
Nonetheless, Grills reproached the press for primarily accentuating the monetary aspect while reporting on California’s reparation propositions.
The task force is expected to submit a conclusive report, inclusive of its definitive recommendations, to the California Legislature by July 1.
Subsequently, the legislative body will determine the implementation of these measures and, if approved, forward them to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk for ratification into law.
This article appeared in TheDailyBeat and has been published here with permission.
