Maryland’s Governor Wes Moore has decided to veto a proposed bill to establish a commission that would examine the feasibility of slavery reparations in the state. In a statement released Friday, Moore acknowledged the challenge of his decision but emphasized the importance of taking tangible actions following years of studies on the matter. As Maryland’s first Black governor and the sole Black governor currently serving in the United States, Moore’s decision reflects his belief in prioritizing immediate efforts to address racial inequalities.
In his veto letter, Moore commendated the legislature for their work on this issue but insisted that now was the time to advance beyond studies. “We need to concentrate on the undertaking of closing the racial wealth gap, increasing homeownership, promoting entrepreneurs of color, and addressing essential disparities that lead to inequity, such as food insecurity and education,” Moore articulated. He also highlighted the political progress made in recent years, with Black leaders securing significant roles such as Maryland’s first Black United States senator and other key positions like attorney general, state House speaker, and treasurer.
“We have engaged with leaders throughout the state to support Black communities and address racial imbalances,” Moore continued in his letter, explaining the rationale behind his veto decision. “While the effort behind this legislation is appreciated, I firmly believe that further studies are unnecessary. Constructive action with real-world outcomes is necessary.”
Despite the strong backing the reparations measure received in the General Assembly—which is dominated by Democrats—the veto was met with disappointment by the Legislative Black Caucus, who had prioritized it during the legislative session. Comprising 66 members, the caucus is the most substantial Black caucus among state legislatures nationwide. The caucus lamented Moore’s decision, noting it as a missed opportunity for Maryland to lead by example amid national discussions on racial justice. “During a time of adverse policies aimed at Black communities by federal authorities, Maryland could have taken a stand,” the caucus reflected.
The bill gained significant support within the state’s House of Delegates, passing 101-36, and in the Senate with a vote of 32-13. Both houses achieved the margins required to potentially override the governor’s veto, should they decide to pursue it next session in January or during a special session if one is convened this year. This veto is one of 23 declared by Moore recently.
David Schuhlein, spokesperson for Senate President Bill Ferguson, mentioned the Senate’s intent to closely assess each veto and conferred potential responses shortly. Meanwhile, House Speaker Adrienne Jones recognized the work from the recent legislative session but asserted a steadfast commitment to addressing historical inequalities moving forward.
The reparations bill contained various proposals, such as apologies, financial compensation, tax incentives, aid in housing purchases, business incentives, debt relief, and educational tuition waivers. Moore remarked on Maryland’s historical commitment to reviewing the impacts of slavery through commissions over the past quarter-century, emphasizing the wealth of scholarship on the topic and the ongoing racial disparities attributable to the state’s legacy of slavery.
Comparatively, legislation in states like California and cities like New York City have pioneered reparative justice measures, although broad financial payments to Black Americans have not been enacted. California has focused on restoring wrongfully seized properties and providing formal apologies, while New York City initiated studies into its historical involvement in slavery, contemplating reparations for descendants of enslaved individuals.