Fiscal Note
No appropriation required.
Title
AMENDED - Opposing additional State preemption legislation related to CDBG funds.
Body
WHEREAS the Madison Common Council adopted an amendment to its CDBG framework permitting all tax-paying residents of the Madison community equal access to housing assistance funds, regardless of immigration status, by a 15 to 4 vote at its meeting of May 17; and
WHEREAS the Council received significant and supportive input from the Community Development Block Grant Commission, the Board of Estimates, city staff, federal guidelines, and the public; and
WHEREAS state Senator Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend) has already announced his intention to introduce preemption legislation at the state level voiding the city's decision and prohibiting municipalities from allowing equal access to CDBG and possibly other funds; and
WHEREAS generations before ours were wise enough to recognize that the government closest to the people is the best attuned to their needs and most capable of legislating on their behalf; and
WHEREAS this guiding principle of Home Rule is enshrined both in the Wisconsin Statutes, section 62.11(5), and the Wisconsin Constitution, Article XI section 3; and
WHEREAS this most recent attack continues a long line of state legislative efforts to rob municipalities of the right to govern, including TABOR, the minimum wage preemption bill, AB 49, and efforts underway to prohibit cities from enacting smoking regulations;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of Madison denounce Senator Grothman's effort to preempt equal access to municipally-controlled CDBG funds and instruct its legislative lobbyist to oppose this measure in the legislature; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the City of Madison call on Governor James E. Doyle to veto this and every other preemption effort that seeks to undo the outcomes of the local democratic process; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED THAT the City of Madison encourage R...
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