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Did Madison, Wis., allocate $700,000 in federal Covid-19 funds for services for undocumented immigrants?

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Tom Kertscher, Wisconsin Watch
By Tom Kertscher, Wisconsin WatchMay 16, 2024
Tom Kertscher, Wisconsin Watch
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This fact brief was originally published by Wisconsin Watch. Read the original here. Fact briefs are published by newsrooms in the Gigafact network, and republished by The Fulcrum. Visit Gigafact to learn more.

Did Madison, Wis., allocate $700,000 in federal Covid-19 funds for services for undocumented immigrants?

Yes.

The Madison, Wis., Common Council on March 1, 2022, approved a proposal backed by Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway to allocate $700,000 in federal Covid-19 relief funds to nonprofit organizations that provide assistance to undocumented immigrants.

Madison media reported on the move at the time.

The money came from the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act, signed into law in March 2021 by President Joe Biden. The package included $1,400 checks for individuals and aid to municipalities.

The city said the pandemic “has had a profound impact on undocumented residents, particularly around employment and housing,” and that some are not eligible for direct federal or state assistance. Services helped with utility bills, bus passes, gas cards, food assistance, legal assistance and employment.

The $700,000 claim was made in an April 23, 2024, social media post by Republican Eric Hovde, who is running against U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., in the November election.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

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Wisconsin State Journal Madison City Council awards $700K for nonprofits to help undocumented immigrants

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An oracle erred badly. The most impressive results were turned in by a little-known company in Brazil. A nagging problem reemerged, and some media critics turned profane in their assessments.

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Scott Klug was a 32-year Democratic member of Congress from Wisconsin. Despite winning his four elections by an average of 63 percent, he stayed true to his term limit pledge and retired.

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“The podcast was born,” Klug told Madison Magazine, “out of the sentiment that a wide swath of the American public, myself included, can’t figure out how in the hell we got to this place. And more importantly, is there a way for us out of it.”

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Watching election night on cable or network news is a great national tradition. Memorable moments arise as the networks announce their projections in key states. Anchors and commentators demonstrate extraordinary understanding of the unique politics of hundreds of cities and counties across the country. As the results of the most consequential election on the planet unfold, there’s a powerful sense of shared witness.

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