IMMEDIATE ADOPTION
Number
200497
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
180898
Sponsor
ALD. COGGS, KOVAC, PEREZ, LEWIS, RAINEY
Title
Resolution supporting U.S. House Bill H.R. 4, the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019, and directing the Department of Administration - Intergovernmental Relations Division to lobby for its passage.
Analysis
This resolution expresses the City’s support of U.S. House Bill H.R. 4, also known as the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019, and directs the Department of Administration - Intergovernmental Relations Division to lobby for its passage.
Body
Whereas, U.S. Representative John Lewis was a dedicated public servant and leader who, throughout his life, maintained a vision for a more equitable future; and
Whereas, Representative Lewis’s legacy of fighting for equality and justice lives on; and
Whereas, Voting rights and ensuring that all Americans were able to access this most fundamental right were a passion for Representative Lewis; and
Whereas, To honor his legacy, it is incumbent upon the nation’s leaders to unite behind the cause most dear to him and to restore the Voting Rights Act of 1965 so that every American, regardless of color, is able to make his or her voice heard at the ballot box; and
Whereas, Since the 2013 U.S. Supreme Court decision of Shelby County v. Holder decision, states have implemented a number of discriminatory practices that further disenfranchise voters and have a disproportionately negative impact on Black voters; and
Whereas, U.S. House Bill H.R. 4, the Voting Rights Advancement Act, would serve as an antidote to Shelby County v. Holder and would restore the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to its original intent; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the City expresses its support of U.S. House Bill H.R.4, the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Department of Administration - Intergovernmental Relations Division is directed to lobby for its passage; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the City Clerk shall send copies of this resolution to the City’s U.S. congressional delegation; and, be it
Further Resolved, That File Number 180898 is amended by inserting the following item in the document attached to the file and identified as “AMENDED 2019-2020 State Legislative Detailed Proposals and Key Issues”:
|
Judiciary & Legislation |
Common Council |
Advocate for passage of H.R. 4, the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019. |
Requestor
Drafter
LRB 176240-1
Tea B. Norfolk
7/24/2020