Posted on 04/04/25
| News Source: WBAL
Annapolis, MD - April 4, 2025 - A bill that would establish a commission to explore a range of options related to slavery reparations is now on Gov. Wes Moore’s desk.
Options include an apology, payments or policy measures to make amends.
The legislation is controversial but significant, with State House Republicans putting up a fight. Their arguments honed in on potential costs. Bill supporters contend it will bring people together.
“You can’t have unity without justice, and you can’t have justice without truth-telling, and you can’t have truth-telling without courage,” said Montgomery County Delegate Gabriel Acevero, D-District 39, one of the bill’s co-sponsors.
Acevero considers the bill’s passage a milestone step in the right direction. If passed, the bill would create a 23-member commission to study and make recommendations for appropriate benefits to make amends to descendants of relatives oppressed by slavery.
The legislation will also look into the history of slavery in Maryland and its influence on developing a national slave code.
“What it means to repair. What it means to make amends and to do right by the communities and descendants of individuals who sacrificed blood, sweat and tears to make this state the great state that it is,” Acevero said.
But the path to success was a rocky one, especially in the house.
“All the amendment would do — it limits the commission’s ability to recommend relief for a remedy to people who are Maryland residents,” said Maryland House Minority Leader Jason Buckel.
“I want you to allow the commission to do its work. They are looking at this issue in a comprehensive manner. We do not want to limit their work,” said Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk, D-District 21.
In addition to an apology, the commission will look into policy changes including property tax rebates, social service assistance, down payment help, child care and debt forgiveness.
“Let’s call this bill out for what it is. It’s a commission to set up a reparations tax,” said Calvert and St. Mary’s counties Delegate Matthew Morgan, R-District 29A. “How it’s implemented, who knows? I think it is disgraceful that we are going to set up a reparation tax that will tax one race and give to another race, all in the name of equity. Equity is a Marxist term.”
But Peña-Melnyk said the bill is not about the money.
“This is a really serious issue,” she said. “This is about the past that has had a lasting effect on the political, economic, social, mental and cultural well-being of Black people.”
In a statement issued Thursday, the governor’s office said: “The governor looks forward to continuing to work with the state Legislature, local leaders and all partners involved to ensure that we are passing legislation that will make Maryland safer, more affordable, more competitive and the state that serves.”