Files in support of election operations and federal COVID relief approved by Council

At today’s meeting of the Common Council (Tuesday, October 13^th), a trio of files sponsored by Common Council President Cavalier Johnson gained approval. The first is file #200755 – a resolution relative to acceptance and expenditure of the Center for Tech and Civic Life grant. This resolution authorizes the Election Commission to accept and expend additional grant funds in the amount of $1,255,000 to ensure that all voters in the City of Milwaukee have access to safe and secure voting during the November 3^rd election. The grant will provide funding for additional election apparatus, tabulators, drive-up voting sites, and additional personal protective equipment for election workers. File #200749 – a resolution directing department heads to recruit staff who are willing and able to be assigned to work for the Election Commission during the November 2020 election was also approved. The file intends to use City of Milwaukee staff to supplement any shortage in election workers that exists.

“We are three weeks away from Election Day, and these files will help provide additional support for supplies and manpower so the Election Commission can run the smoothest, safest and most efficient election possible,” Alderman Johnson said.

The Common Council also approved file #200758 – a substitute resolution expressing the City of Milwaukee’s support for enacting new federal legislation to provide direct financial relief funding to local governments and provide economic stimulus – including rent assistance, mortgage deferrals, small business loans and enhanced unemployment support. The file is co-sponsored by Alderman Ashanti Hamilton and Alderman Michael J. Murphy. “COVID-19 is continuing to impact citizens across the country and in particular here in Wisconsin. It is time the federal government act in the interest of those who need support now more than ever, and provide aid to local governments who are on the front line combating this virus,” Alderman Johnson continued.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.