Maryland Governor Wes Moore, a Democrat and the state’s first Black governor, vetoed legislation on Friday that would have established a commission to study and recommend reparations for the legacy of slavery and racial discrimination.
In a letter explaining his decision, Moore emphasized that while he acknowledges the historical injustices, he believes Maryland has already conducted extensive studies on the impact of slavery. He argued that the state should now focus on addressing current racial disparities through concrete actions.
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“I will always protect and defend the full history of African Americans in our state and country,” Moore wrote. “But in light of the many important studies that have taken place on this issue over nearly three decades, now is the time to focus on the work itself: Narrowing the racial wealth gap, expanding homeownership, uplifting entrepreneurs of color, and closing the foundational disparities that lead to inequality — from food insecurity to education.”
The vetoed bill, passed by the Maryland House of Delegates with a 101-36 vote, proposed a commission to explore various forms of reparations, including formal apologies, financial compensation, tuition waivers, social service assistance, and property tax rebates.
Governor Moore stated that his administration is already working on initiatives to uplift Black families and address racial disparities. “We have moved in partnership with leaders across the state to uplift Black families and address racial disparities in our communities,” he said. “That is the context in which I’ve made this difficult decision. Because while I appreciate the work that went into this legislation, I strongly believe now is not the time for another study. Now is the time for continued action that delivers results for the people we serve.”
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The bill’s sponsor, State Senator C. Anthony Muse, expressed disappointment with the governor’s decision. “The governor [Moore] is my friend,” Muse told WTOP. “I think a lot of him, but I am very disappointed in him today. I’m very disappointed that something like this, that black communities across the country have been asking for, it’s turned down in our state.”
Moore, who has stated he is not running for president in 2028, is nevertheless considered a rising star in the Democratic Party. His focus, he says, is on making Maryland a state with unprecedented growth in the coming decade.
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