By Candice Ludlow
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkno/local-wkno-937606.mp3
Memphis, TN – It's been more than a decade since a U.S. court ruled in favor of black farmers who were discriminated against by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but many were not aware of the class-action suit, and they didn't file claims in time. Candice Ludlow reports that the House of Representatives passed the Claims Settlement Act today to pay the farmers their due.
The House approved $1.15 billion to settle with black farmers who were discriminated against because of race and denied loans in various ways, including losing loan applications and delaying decisions until the planting season was over.
In 1999, nearly 23,000 farmers filed claims on time. More than 71,000 farmers filed after the 180 day deadline. The Senate approved the act on November 19th.