Number
251338
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. BROWER
Title
Resolution reaffirming the City of Milwaukee’s commitment to democracy, constitutional governance, The Wisconsin Idea, and the protection of civil and workers’ rights.
Analysis
This resolution reaffirms the commitment of the City of Milwaukee to the United States Constitution, the Constitution of the State of Wisconsin, and The Wisconsin Idea.
Body
Whereas, The elected officials of the City of Milwaukee have taken an oath to support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Wisconsin, including the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights; and
Whereas, Milwaukee has a proud legacy of civic courage, social justice, and labor organizing, grounded in The Wisconsin Idea: the belief that government should be an instrument of the common good and that the boundaries of the state are the boundaries of our concern; and
Whereas, Milwaukee has long drawn its strength and prosperity from immigrant, refugee, and working-class communities whose labor, culture, and courage have shaped the city’s identity; and
Whereas, The erosion of democratic norms and rule of law, and the rise of disinformation, political violence, authoritarianism and fascist ideology, threaten the safety and dignity of all Milwaukee residents, and most especially immigrants, LGBTQ+ residents, people of color, the downtrodden and the poor; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the City of Milwaukee recommits itself to the preservation and defense of the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Wisconsin, the democratic principles of accountability, transparency, equality under the law, and the protection of the rights guaranteed in the Bill of Rights; and, be it
Further Resolved, That guided by The Wisconsin Idea, the City of Milwaukee declares its duty to serve the common good, to defend the rights and safety of all residents, including workers and immigrants, and to act in defense of democracy whenever it is threatened by fascism, authoritarianism, political violence, or attacks on constitutional governance; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the City of Milwaukee reaffirms the historic contributions of the labor movement and working people in securing democratic rights, fair wages, and social progress, and recognizes that the protection of workers’ rights is essential to the preservation of democracy itself; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the City Clerk shall forward a copy of this resolution to the Governor of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin State Legislature, and the Wisconsin Congressional delegation to encourage other jurisdictions to reaffirm their commitment to the rule of law, workers’ rights, and democratic principles.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB181176-1
Max Drickey
11/21/2025