Reparations: California Legislative Analyst’s Office proposes “paths” for payments

Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

This past weekend, the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparations Proposals for African Americans received insight on how the state government might implement recommendations the panel submits in its final proposal due before July 1.

Chas Alamo, the principal fiscal and policy analyst at the California Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO), appeared remotely in front of the panel as an expert witness during the two-day meeting held March 3 in Sacramento.

Alamo offered “several paths that could be possible for ultimate recommendations” by the task force to “flow through the legislature and become state law” and how they can “apply” to the creation of the proposed California American Freedman Affairs Agency (CAFAA). The agency, if approved, would oversee compensation the state authorizes to Black California residents who are descendants of enslaved people in the United States.

The LAO is a non-partisan office

NASA

Continued from page 1 overseen by the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC), a 16-member bipartisan team. It is the “eyes and ears” of the State legislature ensuring that the executive branch is implementing legislative policy in a cost-efficient and effective manner. Its biggest responsibility is analyzing the governor’s annual budget.

Alamo explained to the task force how the recommendations they make will likely become state policy.

“The creation of a new agency would be initiated through the governor’s executive branch and reorganization process, but other options exist,” Alamo said. “Regardless of the path, to initiate a new agency or enact any other recommendation that makes changes to state law, fundamentally both houses from the state legislature would have to approve the action and the governor will have to sign it.

During discussions at the Sacramento meeting, the task force began the process of clearly defining CAFAA’s role, focusing on adding clarity to the agency’s mission as overseer for other entities offering reparations in her work in that office focused on inspiring student interest in STEM studies and careers.

“I always remind students that early career programs are a great way to get your foot in the door,” said Emery, who was recognized by Diverse: Issues in High Education as one of the top 25 women in high education in 2013. “Ask your mentors what opportunities are out there for you – and do not underestimate your experience and skillset.”

In 2017, Emery assumed her current role and now leads in the development and oversight of the center’s diversity and equal opportunity policies, awareness programs, and standards. The work also involves supporting the newest NASA core value – inclusion. “Our focus is to ensure that we maintain a work environment where all employees feel welcomed, respected, con-nected, and engaged,” Emery said. “I want to empower all employees to contribute their unique talents to ensure the success of NASA’s mission.”

Emery and her team highlight special emphases throughout the year and provide various op-portunities for employees to participate in diversity and inclusion programs and development activities.

Meanwhile, Emery maintains her commitment to ongoing self-education. She has completed several management and leadership training programs. She has earned numerous NASA group awards, as well as recognition for professional achievements and service within the communi-ty.

For Emery, it is all part of her philosophy for career growth and leadership. “Build relationships to stay up-to-date and find future opportunities,” she said. “Be open to new jobs that will grow your skillset and open even more doors. Join groups that expand your professional network, and always showcase your skills.”

For information about Stennis Space Center, visit: www.nasa.gov/centers/ stennis/ the form of assistance to Californians who qualify.

After a two-hour spirited debate at the meeting – the 13th convening of the task force so far -- all nine-members agreed that CAFAA that would have specified powers and its structure would include an administrative body that guides implementation.

“The proposed entity would be an agency, independent agency, that would provide services where they don’t presently exist (and) provide oversight to existing (state) agencies,” task force chair Kamilah V. Moore said.

CAFAA would facilitate claims for restitution and would set up a branch to process claims with the state and assist claimants in proving eligibility through a “genealogy” department, the task force members said. A commitment to assisting with the implementation and operation of policies and programs being considered for recommendation would also be in the purview of the n Reparations, see page 10