Hochul punts NY reparations commission in new budget, but adds $5M to cost

Gov. Kathy Hochul is calling for a one-year extension on her New York reparations commission, adding $5 million to the controversial panel studying possible payouts to black New Yorkers.

The budget plan revealed by Hochul on Tuesday could effectively delay the nine-member commission’s expected report on what actions to address the inequalities still facing the descendants of slavery — and perhaps other black residents who suffered historic discrimination.

“The State is providing $5 million in funding to the Commission to continue its work in Fiscal Year 2026,” budget documents state.

Hochul OK’d the reparations commission in 2023, shortly after a similar panel in California studied ways to compensate the decedents of slaves for historical inequities over the centuries.

The Golden State reparations panel ultimately proposed to give a $1.2 million payment to nearly every black citizen, an $800 billion price tag that California officials have so far shown no stomach in ponying up.

Critics in New York quickly lambasted Hochul for embarking on a similar study, noting the Empire State has 700,000 more black residents than California and a smaller budget.

The New York panel also faced a push by some black activists to consider reparations for residents who aren’t descendants of US slavery.

More than 500,000 people in New York City alone are Afro-Caribbean or African immigrants, census figures show — a population that activists argue still suffer the racist repercussions of slavery on American soil.

Hochul’s proposal to extend the reparation commission, which was tucked away in budget documents, drew fire from conservative corners.

“The policies of the governor and Democrats have had a tremendous negative impact on all New Yorkers, but especially on people of color,” said state Sen. George Borrello (R-Jamestown).

“This commission is just a divisive distraction that will cost taxpayers millions. Instead of focusing on improving the lives of all New Yorkers, they are doing things like this for show.”