Supervisor Rolland urges Wauwatosa Common Council to reject ordinance that would worsen homelessness and job insecurity
Proposed ordinance to “discourage panhandling” will actually create flashpoints between police and neighbors, and harm their ability to secure housing and jobs in the future
By
Sup. Shawn Rolland - Aug 3rd, 2021 01:25 pm
WAUWATOSA – Milwaukee County Supervisor
According to Milwaukee County’s Housing Division, historically, about 99% of these tickets go unpaid, which spurs judges to create a bench warrant for that individual, which makes procuring housing an even more difficult proposition.
“Instead of working to end homelessness, the root causes of panhandling and our neighbors’ hardship, this ordinance could create yet another system that’s rigged against people in need,” says Sup. Rolland. “I have great respect for my colleagues on the Wauwatosa Common Council, and I agree that panhandling should be addressed, but I fear that they are about to make a mistake that converts a bad situation into an absolute nightmare. Let’s pause to think: do we want to intentionally create another flashpoint between our police officers and someone down on their luck? Or should we do things differently – and provide people with the resources they need to secure affordable housing, find a good-paying job and escape poverty?”