New York lawmakers pass bill that considers reparations for slavery

ALBANY, N.Y. — New York would create a commission to consider reparations to address the lingering, negative effects of slavery under a bill passed by the state Legislature on Thursday. “I’m concerned we’re opening a door that was closed in New York State almost 200 years ago,” said Republican state Assemblymember Andy Gooddell during floor debates on the bill. Gooddell, who voted against the bill, said he supports existing efforts to bring equal opportunity to all and would like to “continue on that path rather than focus on reparations.” In California, the reparations task force said in their report that the state is estimated to be responsible for more than $500 billion due to decades of over-policing, mass incarceration and redlining that kept Black families from receiving loans and living in certain neighborhoods. New York Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, who is the first Black person to hold the position, called the legislation “historic.” Heastie along with the governor and legislative leader in the state Senate would each appoint three qualified members to the commission.