Maryland Gov. Wes Moore testifies in support of legislation aimed at making housing more affordable and protecting renters during a bill hearing on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Brian Witte)
Del. Matthew Morgan, R–St. Mary’s County, spoke on the House floor Tuesday ahead of the vote, calling out his Democratic colleagues for talking about affordability while preparing to set up a commission for "race-bait handouts."
"This bill betrays the original intention, the unifying event of the civil rights movement. It's immoral and it's fiscally ruinous to this state and it sends a message to the generations out there now in Maryland that if you're concerned about fairness, dignity, opportunity in this state — to flee Maryland," said Morgan.
Del. Terri Hill, D–Howard County, urged colleagues to override the veto, calling the creation of the commission a decision "we still feel is the right one."
Senate members wave to Girl Scouts in the balcony on the last day of the legislative session known as sine die on April 9, 2018. (Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
With the veto override, SB 587 will now establish a commission to weigh possible forms of reparations, including official statements of apology, monetary compensation, property tax rebates, child-care support, debt forgiveness and higher education tuition waivers and reimbursements.
A preliminary report is due Jan. 1, 2027, with a final report required Nov. 1, 2027. The commission is set to expire in the summer of 2028.
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS FIRST IN US TO PAY REPARATIONS TO BLACK RESIDENTS
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The Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland hailed the override in a statement posted to social media.
"This landmark action establishes a rigorous and comprehensive plan for reparations and marks Maryland’s first-ever step toward reparations," the statement read in part. "At a time of growing attacks on diversity and equity, today’s action reaffirms our shared commitment to truth-telling, accountability, and meaningful progress for Black Marylanders."
Ashley Carnahan is a writer at Fox News Digital.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/maryland-study-slavery-reparations-after-lawmakers-override-dem-governors-veto