The Green Bay Common Council has approved a nonbinding resolution declaring the city’s commitment to a broad “Economic and Social Bill of Rights.”
The council passed the measure 9-3 on July 21st after more than an hour of debate. Alderman Jon Shelton introduced the proposal, which was co-sponsored by council members Alyssa Proffitt, Jim Hutchison and Joey Prestley. Council members Jennifer Grant, Melinda Eck and Bill Morgan voted against it.
The adopted resolution identifies 10 economic and social rights that the city is aiming to support “in every way practicable.” They include clean drinking water, wage increase, and healthcare reform as a parts of their resolution. (RELATED:Johnson’s Police Oversight Nominee Left Loaded Gun in Airport Restroom)
The resolution does not create legally enforceable rights, require immediate spending or guarantee that the city will provide each benefit. It is merely a pledge that Green Bay will make reasonable efforts to achieve those goals. “I would compare this to the Declaration of Independence, which outlined a vision,” said Alderman Jon Shelton. The bill also draws inspiration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1944 call for a “Second Bill of Rights.” A request he made during a State of the Union address.
The City of Green Bay has reported that home prices have risen faster than incomes for many families. Citing their housing study, the City estimates they will need thousands of additional rental and owner-occupied units by 2040 to meet the projected demand.
The resolution also asks the Wisconsin Legislature to increase shared revenue for local governments and restore more local control. Green Bay leaders say that additional support and local authority would make it easier to pursue investments in housing, infrastructure, transportation and other public services. (RELATED:Fitzgerald Battles NFL Over Streaming Paywalls And Packers Warnings)
Fox 11 took public testimony from the attendees of the meeting. Nine citizens were in favor of the resolution, one opposing and another expressing concerns. The resolution could have absolutely no impact due to its nonbinding nature. New legislation following these guidelines is up to voters and the common council.
