The country’s only Black governor vetoed reparations for Blacks in the state…because?

Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland, said he doesn’t need another commission report. He vetoed a bill that would have created a commission to study and recommend reparations for African Americans who were impacted by slavery. 

In a letter to Senate President Bill Ferguson, the governor said he made the “difficult decision” because he believes it’s not the time for another study. 

“Now is the time for continued action that delivers results for the people we serve,” Gov. Moore said.

Senate Bill 587 describes potential reparations as apology statements, monetary compensation, debt forgiveness, property tax rebates, social services, or home buying assistance, among other options.

If it had been signed, the commission would have begun work in 2025 with a 2027 deadline for a final report. 

The state’s Legislative Black Caucus has condemned Moore’s veto.

“At a time when the White House and Congress are actively targeting Black communities, dismantling diversity initiatives, and using harmful coded language, Governor Moore had a chance to show the country and the world that here in Maryland we boldly and courageously recognize our painful history and the urgent need to address it,” the caucus said in the statement.

 “Instead, the State’s first Black governor chose to block this historic legislation that would have moved the state toward directly repairing the harm of enslavement.”