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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
By Tom KertscherMay 16, 2024
Tom Kertscher
Tom Kertscher, Wisconsin Watch is a contributor for The Fulcrum, a nonpartisan publication dedicated to strengthening democracy by fostering informed civic engagement and elevating diverse perspectives.
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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.

Sources

Google Docs Madison Common Council 3/1/22 vote

City of Madison Mayor blog post

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

City of Madison Compliance report


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