Call to ACTION:
Nine reparations-related bills passed the legislature recently, including SB 518, which the Multi-Faith ACTION Coalition supports! Now we need to ask the Governor to sign them.
Thank you for advocating that California should take steps to correct the historical neglect and disenfranchisement experienced by Black Californians.
Summary:
This bill, contingent upon appropriation of sufficient funding by the Legislature, establishes the Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery within state government, and establishes the Bureau’s duties relating to determining an individual’s status as a descendant.
Why we support SB 518:
SB 518 is an essential component of the broader effort to address the economic, social, and legal inequalities that continue to affect Black Californians today. Building on the findings and recommendations of the California Reparations Task Force, SB 518 creates a state agency to verify lineage and facilitate access to reparative programs. By ensuring that descendants of enslaved people receive recognition and targeted benefits in housing, education, and economic opportunity, this bill takes a critical step toward dismantling institutional barriers and advancing justice for Black Californians. We support SB 518 because it reflects a commitment to justice, equity, and opportunity for an important community that has been disproportionately harmed by historical oppression.
Information about this bill from CalMatters Digital Democracy
Summary | Bill Text | Status | Votes | Analysis | Supporters & Opponents
On the linked page above, click on an item in the tabbed section below the Current Status timeline. NOTE: If the status is “Enacted” the Governor has already signed the bill.
How to ask the Governor to sign this bill
This applies to all bills that have passed both houses of the state legislature.
1. Go to https://www.gov.ca.gov/
2. Click on “Contact” at the right end of the top menu bar to get to the “Contact the Governor” page (https://www.gov.ca.gov/contact/)
3. On the Best method page, under What is your request or comment about?, select the Topic “An Active Bill.”
4. Under “What specific bill?”, scroll down to select “SB 518: Descendants of enslaved persons: reparations.”
If you don’t see the bill you’re looking for, it’s probably for one of these reasons: (1) the bill hasn’t passed the Legislature yet, (2) the Governor has already signed or vetoed the bill, (3) the deadline for the Governor to act on the bill has passed, or (4) you got the bill number wrong.)
5. Under What is the purpose of your message?, click “Leave a comment.”
6. Click the “Next” button.
7. Under If applicable, what is your stance on this topic?, select “Pro”.
8. Under What is your message for the Governor?, do this:
- Copy Please sign SB 518! and paste it into the “Message subject” box, replace the default subject “An Active Bill”. Your message title will be “Please sign SB 518!”.
9. In the Message box, paste this argument in support of the bill:
- Copy and paste the text below into the Message box. Feel free to edit or add your own words.
- Please sign SB 518! I support SB 518 because it reflects a commitment to justice, equity, and opportunity for an important community that has been disproportionately harmed by historical oppression. By ensuring that descendants of enslaved people receive recognition and targeted benefits in housing, education, and economic opportunity, this bill takes a critical step toward dismantling institutional barriers and advancing justice for Black Californians.
10. Click the “Next” button.
11. Fill in your name, email address, and (optionally) phone number.
12. Click the “Submit” button.
That’s all there is to it!
Alternative Methods
Here are other ways to contact the Governor. These may take longer.
Mail
Governor Gavin Newsom
1021 O Street, Suite 9000
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone
(916) 445-2841
