Fiscal Note
No City appropriation required.
Title
Authorizing the City Attorney, in consultation with the Mayor, to join the City as amicus in any cases related to the continuation of federal funding which supports or affects the City of Madison, its residents, businesses, nonprofit organization, or cultural or educational institutions located in the City.
Body
WHEREAS, a healthy, thriving and resilient community relies on partnerships involving local, state and federal government as well as businesses, nonprofit organizations, and cultural and education institutions; and,
WHEREAS, recently-issued Presidential Executive Orders and directives of federal government agencies threaten the continued availability of federal grant and contract funds that help to support the economy, safety and well-being of the City of Madison and the surrounding region, including funding received directly by the City and funding transmitted directly to residents, businesses, schools and educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, medical and health care facilities, scientific and research centers, and arts and cultural initiatives; and
WHEREAS, the City has been invited to join as an amicus party in litigation that opposes directives to halt federal funding in ways that are unlawful and unconstitutional, including Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. National Institutes of Health and related cases; and
WHEREAS, it is in the interest of the City to participate as an amicus in such litigation so that the perspectives of local governments and their partners can be vigorously represented to and considered by the courts.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Madison Mayor and Common Council support the continuation of federal funding that has been lawfully appropriated for effective programs and initiatives that support and contribute to the success of the City, its residents and its economy, businesses, nonprofit organizations, schools and educational institutions, medical and health care facilities, scientific and research centers, and arts and cultural initiatives and,
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the City Attorney, in consultation with the Mayor, is authorized to join the City as amicus in cases related to continued federal funding to support initiatives of the City and its local partners as well as the safety, security and well-being of its residents and the surrounding region.