New York state passes bill to eliminate negative effects of slavery

NEW YORK – The U.S. state of New York on Thursday passed a bill to eliminate the negative effects of slavery.

The state legislature approved the creation of a commission to address the issue of reparations to begin the process of healing communities.

The 13th Amendment abolished slavery in the country in 1865.

However, a Pew poll conducted a few years ago found that 59% of respondents believe that the legacy of slavery still affects the Black community in the country.

The New York State Assembly passed the bill after three hours of debate.

The state Senate also passed the bill the same day. It was forwarded to New York Governor Kathy Hochul for signature to become law.

New York is the second state, after California, to take such a measure.

According to the bill, the commission will consist of nine members. Three members each will be appointed by the state governor, the speaker of the House and the interim president of the Senate.

The commission is to make recommendations for possible remedies and reparations within one year.

New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said the bill will help to examine the institutions of slavery and discrimination and eliminate the legacy of generations of poverty.

The California Reparations Commission recently issued a report with recommendations.

These include repealing certain provisions of the state’s criminal code, such as the ban on voting rights for incarcerated people.

It recommended encouraging Blacks to serve on juries and providing them with free tuition to make them compatible in education.

According to news reports, the New Jersey and Vermont state legislatures are also considering reparations measures. So far, however, they have not passed legislation.