MEMPHIS, Tenn. – A bill could block local governments in Tennessee from studying and funding reparations for descendants of enslaved people.
“It’s frustrating to see this come up,” said Rev. Earle Fisher, a community activist.
Reverend Dr. Fisher has collected more than 1,800 signatures on a petition opposing the bill.
“It’s contrary to what the government is supposed to do when you talk about helping citizens figure out what is true. Then remedying and redressing any of the social and political ills,” said Fisher
The bill is sponsored by Republican Representative John Ragan of Nashville and Senator Brent Taylor of Memphis.
“As long as there’s a super majority in the state house, then you can never guarantee that the will of the majority of the people will be enacted. But it is clear people all across the state are concerned about what’s happening,” said Fisher.
Before the senate approved the bill, Taylor pointed to Shelby County approving $5 million to city reparations.
“We know this is a very divisive issue, and it’s an important issue for people in our communities. It’s an important issue in my community. But, Mr. Speaker, it’s an issue that cannot be resolved at the local level,” said Sen. Brent Taylor, (R) Memphis.
The house sent the bill back to committee, meaning no debate for now.
“No one is alive today who was either a slave or slaveholder in the timeframe that slavery was legal in this country. If there were to be a reparations program the question becomes from who are these reparations taken and to whom are these reparations paid,” said Rep. John Ragan (R) Nashville.
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