Protests erupt at California State Capitol after pair of reparations bills shelved
SUMMARY
Protests erupted at the California State Capitol after two crucial reparations bills were shelved. Senate Bill 1331, aimed at creating a reparations fund, and Senate Bill 1403, designed to establish an overseeing agency, failed to advance. Authored by Democrat Sen. Steven Bradford, the bills were pulled amid fears of a veto from Governor Gavin Newsom. The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) cited the need for further amendments. Demonstrators accused the CLBC of betrayal, demanding a vote despite having enough support. Republican Assemblymember Bill Essayli criticized Democrats for avoiding a vote. Newsom signed a $300 billion budget in June, including $12 million for reparations, but his stance on specific proposals remains unclear.
