Maryland reparations bill advances, Gov. Wes Moore dodges questions on support

Maryland is moving forward with a bill to establish a commission to study reparations, including financial restitution, as it is expected to clear its final hurdle in the House of Delegates. The bill, a priority for the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, passed the Senate last month and is now set to be voted on in the full House before the legislative session adjourns next week.

The bill has faced opposition from some lawmakers, including Senate Minority Whip Justin Ready, who raised concerns about the state’s $3.3 billion deficit and questioned the feasibility of exploring reparations at this time. Ready emphasized that the state does not have the financial resources to support such a commission, especially as the deficit is expected to increase to $6.7 billion by fiscal year 2028.

Despite the financial challenges, similar reparations commissions have been established in states like California, Colorado, Massachusetts, New York, and Illinois. Last year, the California Reparations Task Force recommended financial payouts to eligible recipients, although no payments have been authorized yet.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has dodged questions about his stance on the reparations bill, focusing instead on economic priorities and growth. While the proposed commission is expected to cost Maryland taxpayers $54,500 annually, Governor Moore has not explicitly stated whether he supports the measure.

Critics of the bill, like Ready, believe that it could detract from Governor Moore’s focus on economic advancement and solving real problems in the state. They argue that the bill may be a distraction and could harm the governor’s national attention.

If enacted, the commission would be required to provide preliminary and final reports by specific deadlines, outlining their findings and recommendations. Despite the controversy surrounding the bill, it represents a significant step towards addressing historical racial injustices and exploring potential avenues for reparations in Maryland.