Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee bankruptcy protection plan: FPC stripped of power

Published

1 year ago

June 16, 2023

Milwaukee bankruptcy protection plan: FPC stripped of power

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says you might want to spend less time outside as smoke from Canada’s historically bad wildfire season worsens our air quality.

MILWAUKEE – A plan to help Milwaukee avoid bankruptcy is headed for the governor’s desk after the Legislature passed it Wednesday, June 14, but it comes at a cost, especially for the city’s Fire & Police Commission, which will change as we know it.

This body oversees both the Milwaukee Police and Fire Departments and is one of the strongest police oversight bodies in the nation.

The shared revenue plan strips the FPC of that power against the wishes of the mayor and the commission.

Milwaukee Fire & Police Commission

At its first meeting since a deal in Madison struck the Milwaukee Fire & Police Commission of its power, FPC Chair Ed Fallone said the negotiations between lawmakers never included the very board caught in the crossfire.

The plan sending more money back to communities — known as shared revenue — also rewrites the FPC rules. First, the respective chiefs, not the FPC, will set policy for their departments. The FPC can propose policy changes, but the chiefs will have the final say.

“There’s still some check and balance there, but again, my preference would have been that it was left the way that it was,” said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson.

Mayor Johnson helped negotiate the deal, which enables the Common Council to suspend or modify policies with a two-thirds vote. It also requires the commission not to have more than four members belonging to the same political party and empowers the firefighters’ and police officers’ unions. They can each nominate a retired employee that still lives in the city to serve on the FPC.

Milwaukee Police Department

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“This is where I pushed back on the state again and said, ‘I don’t need you to step in and tell me to do this. We’re already doing that in Milwaukee,’” said Mayor Johnson.

Despite the changes, the mayor says the FPC still plays an important role because it still handles the hiring process, including deciding who serves as chief.

Milwaukee Fire Department

The Legislature sent the bill to Governor Tony Evers for his signature. He helped negotiate it, and he’s expected to sign it, and these changes would take effect after that.

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Milwaukee, WI

Miracle on 64th St. lights display in West Allis returns to help homeless veterans

Published

7 hours ago

November 30, 2024

Press Room

Miracle on 64th St. lights display in West Allis returns to help homeless veterans

WEST ALLIS — It’s become a special tradition for neighbors near the corner of 64th & Lapham.

Miracle on 64th St. returns Friday. In its third year, the display features 12,000 lights that illuminate this little slice of West Allis along with holiday decorations and inflatables.

Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and the elves also make appearances each night outside of the 24th and 25th when they have to return to the North Pole.

Watch: West Allis lights display returns to help homeless veterans

Miracle on 64th St. lights display in West Allis returns to help homeless veterans

The nonprofit hosts this fundraiser all to benefit a cause each year. This year, donations will go to the Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative just down the street.

Previous Coverage: https://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/miracle-on-64th-a-street-in-west-allis-is-glowing-for-a-good-cause

They’re also accepting food, gloves, hats, and coats.

“We’re really out here to help the people and keep it local, so that’s really what we’re all about, is making sure we help the community at large,” said Santa Claus.

Mike Beiermeister

Santa at Miracle on 64th St.

The display runs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. all the way up until Christmas.

You are encouraged to walk around the displays. There are several parking lots nearby open for visitors.

Cash donations can be dropped off at the corner of 64th and Lapham.

You can also make a donation by going to any Landmark Credit Union. Just tell them you are making a donation to ’64 Street Project Co.’

This year, Modern Woodmen of America are matching donations up to $2,500.

Home Depot also makes a donation to help with the lights display.

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