NY mayor explores reparations program using recreational marijuana income

Rochester Mayor Lovely A. Warren addresses members of the media. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

Rochester's mayor is looking at making reparations payments to minority residents.

Mayor Lovely Warren sent a letter to a local human services group outlining her plan.  The mayor is considering using tax revenue from the legalization of recreational marijuana to fund the program.

WHEC reports that the money would go to "the most disadvantaged people in Black and brown city neighborhoods."

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In a letter to the Ibero American Action League, Mayor Warren wrote:  "I believe that among the best and most sustainable ways to achieve these goals is through the payment of reparations with the establishment of a Universal Basic Income (UBI) program, or through a home ownership program."

Oakland, Cal. and Evanston, Ill. adopted legislation to begin similar programs, the mayor noted.

It was unclear what the eligibility requirements would be to qualify for the reparations program in Rochester.