ANNAPOLIS, Md. — On May 16, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore vetoed a bill that would have established a commission to study the impact of historical racial discrimination on the state’s Black population. The legislation, known as SB0587, was part of a broader effort to explore potential reparations and equity-based initiatives.
The SB0587 bill would have created a commission to provide recommendations regarding the benefits that could be offered to people of color in Maryland, such as financial compensation or even official apologies. Descendants of people who were enslaved are often the primary recipients of initiatives like these.
Following the veto, Moore explained that while he supports efforts to provide equal opportunities to all, he also believes that now isn’t the time for another study. Studies of any kind are a costly endeavor for the state, and Maryland’s budget deficit makes it particularly difficult to allocate resources.
In a letter dated May 16, Moore elaborated on his position:
“Because while I appreciate the work that went into this legislation, I strongly believe now is not the time for another study. Now is the time for continued action that delivers results for the people we serve.”
The only sitting Black governor in the United States, Moore went on to write that there have been many efforts to study the long-term effects of slavery and racial discrimination in the state of Maryland, so it’s time to take action.
“I will always protect and defend the full history of African Americans in our state and country. But in light of the many important studies that have taken place on this issue over nearly three decades, now is the time to focus on the work itself: narrowing the racial wealth gap, expanding homeownership, uplifting entrepreneurs of color, and closing the foundational disparities that lead to inequality — from food insecurity to education,” Moore wrote.
Reparations can materialize in many possible forms, including financial assistance or free community services for impacted groups of people. Support for reparations differs dramatically between states and demographics, while proponents argue that the lasting impact of systematic racial discrimination is still being felt by Black communities across Maryland today.
Maryland’s Recent History of Diversity and Equality
Although Moore ultimately decided to veto SB0587, he offered a few words of support for the legislature in his letter by noting all of the ways that Maryland remains a bastion of equality for the Black community.
“I applaud the legislature’s work on this bill, and I thank the Black Caucus for their leadership. Maryland is proud to be a state with the largest Black Caucus in America, our first Black attorney general, our first Black senator, a Black treasurer, and a Black speaker of the House. We have moved in partnership with leaders across the state to uplift Black families and address racial disparities in our communities.”
Over the next decade, new legislation may emerge to address disparities facing racial minorities in Maryland, but bills focused on studying reparations and their recipients likely won’t be successful while Moore remains in office.
To learn more about SB0587, visit Maryland.gov.
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Although only 40% of black people in America had any traces to slavery in America, it would be nice for Democrats to repay them for slavery and also fighting to keep slavery in the Civil war.
Yes I agree the democrats should pay. They are the ones who didn’t want to free the slaves. And voted against giving them rights. And against letting them vote And started the KKK.
are you speaking of the KKK thats from (Atkins County?)\ Pulaski Tennessee?
No The whole south
what the Governor should be doing is vetoing most legislation. There simply isn’t enough time to go through it. Hundreds of pieces. I’m sorry I ‘m going to have to veto this, I don’t have enough time to review. it. The veto period should end in December or January.