California State Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, D‑Inglewood, told Fox News Digital she is “deeply disappointed” after Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Assembly Bill 2186. The bill would have exempted any future reparations payments or benefits from California personal income tax for taxable years beginning Jan. 1, 2028 through Dec. 31, 2032.
Governor’s Rationale
In his veto message, Newsom acknowledged the intent to redress the documented harms of slavery but warned that the full scope of the proposed tax exclusion is unknown. He said fiscal caution is warranted because the exemption could be interpreted broadly, creating “substantial fiscal uncertainty” and potentially affecting the General Fund. Newsom argued the measure should be considered as part of the annual budget process rather than enacted through a standalone bill.
Reparations Efforts Continue
Despite rejecting the tax exemption, Newsom signed another reparations‑related measure, Assembly Bill 2599, into law. AB 2599 requires large companies doing business in California—those with more than $100 million in annual worldwide gross receipts and a predecessor existing on or before Dec. 31, 1964—to search historical records and publicly disclose any slavery‑era transactions. Covered firms must submit sworn affidavits, under penalty of perjury, verifying searches for purchases or sales of enslaved people, slave‑related insurance policies, and other related transactions. The first affidavits are due by Jan. 2029.
Legislator’s Response
McKinnor stressed that reparations payments are intended as compensation for generations of structural harm. “Reparations payments are compensation for generations of injustice, discrimination, and economic harm,” she said. “California cannot claim to support reparative justice while taxing the very compensation intended to repair that harm.” She added, “We cannot continue to study injustice, acknowledge the harm, and then hesitate when it is time to act. I remain committed to working with my colleagues and the new Governor to bring this legislation back in 2027. Justice delayed should not become justice denied.”
Broader Context
California was the first state to create a formal task force to study the legacy of slavery and recommend restitution measures. However, direct‑cash payout initiatives at the state level have stalled due to budget concerns and legal challenges. Other municipalities, such as Evanston, Illinois, have moved forward with localized programs, providing $25,000 housing grants to Black residents as part of efforts to address historic housing discrimination.
With the upcoming gubernatorial race featuring candidates cautious about broad direct cash handouts, the future of state‑funded reparations in California remains uncertain. Newsom’s office declined further comment, stating that “the veto message speaks for itself.”
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
