Number
230338
Version
SUBSTITUTE 2
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. PEREZ, RAINEY, BAUMAN, STAMPER and DIMITRIJEVIC
Title
Substitute resolution relating to possible legal action to overturn certain provisions of 2023 Wisconsin Act 12 and allocating American Rescue Plan Act funds for the Office of Equity and Inclusion and the Office of African-American Affairs.
Analysis
This resolution authorizes the Department of Administration to allocate up to $781,220 from the second tranche of American Rescue Plan Act funds for the Office of Equity and Inclusion and the Office of African American Affairs.
Body
Whereas, 2023 Wisconsin Act 12 includes a provision which prohibits using tax-levy funding for any local government positions whose principal duties consist of promoting individuals or groups on the basis of their race, color, ancestry, national origin, or sexual orientation; and,
Whereas, The City supports these activities, particularly through the Office Equity and Inclusion and the Office of African American Affairs; and
Whereas, The City shall therefore strive to have this provision overturned; and
Whereas, The City’s total 2023 Budget salary allocation for the Office of Equity and Inclusion and the Office of African American Affairs is $781,220; and
Whereas, A portion of the yearly salary allocation for these offices has already been expended in 2023; and
Whereas, An alternative source of funding for the Office of Equity and Inclusion and the Office of African American Affairs is the second tranche of the City’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) award, rather than tax-levy funds in the City Budget; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the City is considering legal action to overturn various provisions included in 2023 Wisconsin Act 12; and, be it
Further Resolved, That funding to support legal action shall come from the tax-levy funding in the 2023 Budget for the Office of Equity and Inclusion and the Office of African American Affairs; and, be it
Further Resolved, That up to $781,220 from the unallocated portion of the City’s second tranche ARPA award is allocated to the Department of Administration for the Office of Equity and Inclusion and the Office of African American Affairs; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Department of Administration is authorized to spend the ARPA funding on salaries as indicated above for the remainder of 2023; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Office of the City Attorney shall review possible courses of action against 2023 Wisconsin Act 12 and, based on this review, recommend uses for the funds allocated for this purpose to the Common Council; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the City Comptroller is authorized to establish the necessary accounts and accounting procedures to carry out the intent of this resolution; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Department of Administration is directed to search for an alternative, sustainable source of funding for the Office of Equity and Inclusion and the Office of African American Affairs.
Requestor
Drafter
Kathleen Brengosz
6/23/23
LRB 178205-3