Newsom now supports reparations payouts and claims media exaggerated his previous statements.

California Governor Gavin Newsom Open to Reparations for Black Californians

Conservative media outlets, including Fox News, have misrepresented California Governor Gavin Newsom’s stance on reparations for black Californians. Anthony York, Newsom’s chief communication advisor, clarified that the sensationalized framing of Newsom’s comments was inaccurate. Newsom is open to the idea of reparations and looks forward to reviewing the final report and all recommendations when complete.

Task Force Recommends Reparative Monetary Apology

Last week, the California Reparations Task Force recommended that the state issue a formal reparative monetary apology, including distributing up to $1.2 million to eligible black California residents. The recommendation is based on calculated dollar figures in categories ranging from mass incarceration to housing discrimination and other alleged injustices. Newsom, who appointed five of the nine task force members, praised the committee’s work to “advance systemic changes” but stopped short of endorsing its recommendation for cash payouts.

Complicated Issue Beyond Cash Payments

Newsom told Fox News Digital that finding a way to address the “legacy” left behind by the institution of slavery was a complicated issue that was “about much more than cash payments.” York clarified that Newsom has not declined to support issuing cash reparations payments to black residents and will meet with state lawmakers and review the final report.

Realistic Expectations for Reparations

California Democratic Sen. Steven Bradford, a task force member, acknowledged the political reality that state lawmakers may not approve payments. He stated that Newsom’s comments were “setting a real realistic expectation that there probably won’t be check payments in the tune of or the amount that we’ve batted around for the last two years since we started this process.”

Reparations Are Morally Justifiable

Reparations have the potential to address long-standing racial disparities and inequalities, according to Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA). The task force’s report outlines various methods for calculating reparations, including gaps between black and white “housing wealth” and alleged injustices and discriminations in health. Based on a New York Times analysis, a black person living in California for 71 years could receive up to $1.2 million. Some economists projected that California could owe more than $800 billion in reparations, which more than doubles the state’s annual budget.

Finalized Report to be Released by July 1

Task force members are scheduled to release the finalized report by July 1. If lawmakers approve the plan, the state will create a new agency to oversee the program, determine eligibility, and distribute funds. Newsom’s clarified stance on the reparations plan comes days after he announced a greater-than-anticipated state budget deficit of roughly $31.5 billion.

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