NYC Council pass bill to create task force to study reparations for black residents City lawmakers passed a controversial bill Thursday to create a reparations task force in New York City — which could lead to proposals to spend billions in taxpayer money as compensation for slavery and racial injustice. The legislation was approved 41-8 before the full council on Thursday, with its sponsor, Council Member Farah Louis (D-Brooklyn), calling it a “monumental step” to pay back “injustices that have plagued our society for centuries.” “This is a matter of morality and justice, equality and equity,” Louis said.