Dear Milwaukee Council Members,
My name is [YOUR NAME] and I am a resident of [NEIGHBORHOOD/CITY].
I am extremely concerned with the City of Milwaukee’s inordinate investment in the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) at the expense of critical youth, education, and health services.
I am asking that the Milwaukee Common Council make a more overt and visible commitment to racial justice. I ask that the budget vote be delayed so that Council may find ways to redirect money away from Milwaukee Police Department’s overinflated budget. I urge you to pressure the City Manager’s Office for an ethical reallocation of the city’s expenditures: away from MPD, and towards sectors that facilitate the dismantling of racial and class inequality.
Research shows that a living wage, access to health services and treatment, educational opportunities, and stable housing are far more successful at promoting safe communities than police or prisons. As such, I demand more aggressive financial support be directed to those areas.
The events of the last weeks have shown time and again that it is also critical that you implement enforceable controls on police tactics, and explicitly ban pervasive violent tactics--dangerous physical restraints, chemical weapons, and rubber bullets are all seriously dangerous and often lethal.
People are marching in the streets because they know that these actions will result in a healthier, more just society. I implore you to please listen to the needs of your constituents and take immediate action to address their concerns.
Can I count on you to consider an alternative budget that puts a focus on social service programs?
Thank you,
[YOUR NAME][YOUR ADDRESS]
[YOUR EMAIL][YOUR PHONE NUMBER]