Overview

• Gov. Wes Moore vetoed SB 587, a bill that would have established a Maryland Reparations Commission to study and recommend reparative measures for African Americans by 2027.
• Moore argued that another commission would delay tangible progress, emphasizing his administration's existing efforts to address racial disparities, including $816 million for Black businesses and increased HBCU funding.
• The veto has drawn criticism from Maryland’s Legislative Black Caucus, which described it as a missed opportunity to address the harms of slavery and systemic inequality directly.
• Maryland joins other states like California, Illinois, and New York, which have already established reparations commissions, heightening scrutiny of Moore’s decision.
• Moore announced plans to unveil new policy proposals tackling the racial wealth gap and homeownership disparities by Juneteenth, signaling his commitment to alternative approaches.