A California lawmaker is proposing a tax on the sales of certain goods that have historical ties to slavery.
The intention behind this proposal is to allocate the generated funds towards supporting black residents as part of ongoing efforts to address reparations.
California Lawmaker Urges to Tax Goods Linked to Slavery
According to the Washington Examiner, Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer's bill is part of a comprehensive effort by the California Legislative Black Caucus to advocate for reparations for black Californians, with a particular focus on the descendants of slaves.
The information originates from a report released in July 2023 by the state Reparations Task Force, of which Jones-Sawyer was a member. This report highlights the ongoing efforts to transform contentious policies into a legally enforceable compensation plan.
Effective July 2025, individuals purchasing 'gold bullion and gold coins' in California will be required to pay a tax at the time of purchase, as outlined in the bill proposed by Jones-Sawyer. The tax would also extend to tangible property that is manufactured using cotton or tobacco products.
Customers purchasing items such as wine, olives, cane sugar, granulated sugar, rice, and coffee beans from stores would also be subject to the tax. According to the bill, the tax rate is currently unspecified.
The revenues would be directed towards a fund that aims to support African Americans, with a particular focus on individuals who are descendants of those who were enslaved in the United States.
Residents of the community can access the fund for housing loans or cover tuition costs at approved colleges for courses lasting up to four years. The bill was introduced in February and recently amended, Daily Mail reported.
The focus is on goods associated with the transatlantic slave trade spanning from the 15th to the 19th century. During this time, a significant number of Africans were abducted, transported against their will on European ships, and ultimately sold into slavery.
After enduring a grueling journey, the survivors found themselves working tirelessly on plantations across the Americas, such as Brazil, the Caribbean, and the United States. Meanwhile, some individuals reaped the benefits of their labor.
In September, a report from the United Nations proposed that nations should contemplate providing financial reparations as a means of compensating for the historical injustice of slavery.
A bill introduced by Jones-Sawyer was included in a comprehensive package of over a dozen proposals that were recently introduced. These proposals came after California's reparations task force, which took two years to complete its report, submitted its findings.
The package did not include the cash payments to black families that were previously suggested by task force members.
Advocates for reparations argue that America should acknowledge and address the historical injustices of the Transatlantic slave trade, Jim Crow segregation, and ongoing inequalities that continue to impact black residents.
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Racial Wealth Gap
Lawmakers in Washington are seeking a significant amount of funding for a federal scheme aimed at addressing the racial wealth gap between black and white Americans.
Some individuals argue that the distribution of funds to specific individuals from the black community may potentially exacerbate tensions between those who receive the payouts and those who do not. This has also prompted discussions regarding the absence of similar financial support for American Indians and other groups.
Opinions on reparations vary among different groups. Some express support for the potential benefits they could bring, while others have concerns about the financial implications.
According to a survey conducted last year, 59 percent of registered California voters were against cash reparations, while only 23 percent expressed support.
