Senate lawmakers consider the potential consequences of no shared revenue deal

...Apart from the referendum requirement, local officials also asked the committee to reconsider several of the other provisions including one that would prohibit Milwaukee from using money raised by levying taxes to fund positions that promote individuals or groups on the basis of their race, color, ancestry, national origin, or sexual orientation.

Johnson told the committee that historical discrimination is real as Black people and other people of color were denied housing, jobs and overlooked by the government. However, he said current diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives aren’t an attempt to right the wrongs of the past.

“We do however want to ensure that we’re working to establish equitable footing for everybody moving forward,” Johnson said. “The city wants to be competitive and draw on the rich and diverse talent that’s available in our community.”

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