Posted on September 15, 2024

NYC Council Pass Bill to Create Task Force to Study Reparations for Black Residents

Haley Brown and Aneeta Bhole, New York Post, September 12, 2024

City lawmakers passed a controversial bill Thursday to create a reparations task force in New York City — which could lead to proposals to spend billions in taxpayer money as compensation for slavery and racial injustice.

The legislation was approved 41-8 before the full council on Thursday, with its sponsor, Council Member Farah Louis (D-Brooklyn), calling it a “monumental step” to pay back “injustices that have plagued our society for centuries.”

“This is a matter of morality and justice, equality and equity,” Louis said.

Among the 8 lawmakers who voted against the bill, David Carr (R-Staten Island) told The Post that the idea of taxpayers having to pay reparations is “insulting.”

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Robert Holden (D-Queens) said the legislation is a “Pandora’s box” that will lead to an “endless parade of historical grievances.”

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The legislation — that mandates $1.5 million to pay for the nine-member task force’s work — did not say who would foot the bill.

The group will examine the “impact of slavery and past injustices for African Americans in New York City” and determine what, if any, monetary or nonmonetary reparations are necessary.

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The final report did not come up with a suggested payout, but experts questioned by legislators said it could cost as much as $800 billion.

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