Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-24-2021 Human Rights CommissionHuman Rights Commission August 24, 2021 Formal Meeting — 5:30PM Emma J. Harvat Hall, Iowa City City Hall Agenda: 1. Call the meeting to order and roll call 2. Reading & Discussion of Land Acknowledgment 3. Introductions of Commission members 4. Approval of the July 27, 2021 meeting minutes 5. Public Commend of Items not on the Agenda. (Commentators shall address the Commission for no more than 5 minutes. Commissioners shall not engage in discussion with the public concerning said items) 6. Jason Genck: Iowa City Comprehensive Recreation Facilities and Program Master Plan 7. American Rescue Plan & The Excluded Workers Fund Discussion 8. Subcommittees: Housing, Anti -Racism, Health Equity 9. Commission statement in support of Black Lives Matter 10. Social Justice Racial Equity Grant Reports FY21 11. National Hispanic American Heritage Month Proclamation 12. Human Rights Breakfast 13. Staff/Commission Announcements. (Commissioners shall not engage in discussion with one another concerning said announcements). 14. Adjournment If you will need disability -related accommodations to participate in this meeting please contact Human Rights Coordinator, Stefanie Bowers, at 319-356-5022 or at stefanie-bowers(ryiowa-citv.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. I r i CITY OF IOWA CITY 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826 (319) 356-5000 (319) 356-5009 FAX www.icgov.org HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION AUGUST 24, 2021 MEETING PACKET CONTENTS AGENDA ITEM #2 LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AGENDA ITEM #4 • DRAFT MINUTES FROM JULY 27, 2021 AGENDA ITEM #8 • COMMISSION STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF BLACK LIVES MATTER AGENDA ITEM #9 • FINAL REPORTS FROM RECIPIENTS OF SJRE GRANT FY20 CORRESPONDENCE • FIXING THE SCHOOL TO PRISON PIPELINE, SESSION 2 • SEEKING NOMINATIONS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AWARDS • SAVE THE DATE: FREEDOM RIDER, CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST, AND FILMMAKER Native American land Acknowledgement Prepared for the City of Iowa City's Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Human Rights Commission PURPOSE Iowa City owes its existence to the many Indigenous Peoples who were the original stewards of this land and who were subjected to manipulation and violence by non-native settlers, invaders, and governments in order to make this moment possible. Acknowledgement of this truth is central to our work toward reconciliation across all barriers of difference and injustice. Starting with a Native American Land Acknowledgement, this Commission will bear witness to the legacies of violent displacement, migration, and settlement that have marginalized those who were the first inhabitants of this land. We must also address the mistreatment and exclusion that Native Americans continue to face today. The Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Human Rights Commission encourage the community and City of Iowa City to join us in these efforts through the use of a Native American Land Acknowledgement. LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT To be read at all public meetings and events: "We meet today in the community of Iowa City, which now occupies the homelands of Native American Nations to whom we owe our commitment and dedication. The area of Iowa City was within the homelands of the Iowa, Meskwaki, and Sauk, and because history is complex and time goes far back beyond memory, we also acknowledge the ancient connections of many other Indigenous Peoples here. The history of broken treaties and forced removal that dispossessed Indigenous Peoples of their homelands was and is an act of colonization and genocide that we can not erase. We implore the Iowa City community to commit to understanding and addressing these injustices as we work toward equity, restoration, and reparations." LEARN MORE Native Governance Center Guide to Indigenous Land Acknowledgement US Department of Arts and Culture: Honor Native Land Virtual Resources and Guide Meskwaki Nation - History Special thanks to the University of Iowa Native American Council for their work and guidance, as well as members of the public, for their input. Draft Minutes Human Rights Commission July 27, 2021 Emma J. Harvat Hall Commissioners present: Mark Pries, Jessica Andino, Ashley Lindley (via phone), Jason Glass, Bijou Maliabo, Roger Lusala, Tony Siva nthaphanith. Commissioners not present: Adil Adams. Staff present: Stefanie Bowers, Daisy Torres. Others present: Kevin Rivera, Wangui Gathua, Temple Hiatt, Tiffany Adrain, Lo Whittington. Recommendation to City Council: Yes, the Human Rights Commission recommends that the City Council adopt the land acknowledgement at their meetings and formal events and also require other City boards and commissions to do the same. Motion passed 7-0. Meeting called to order: 5:31 PM. Approval of the minutes from the June 22, 2021 meeting: Lusala moved, the motion was seconded by Pries. Motion passes 7-0. Public comment of items not on the agenda: None. Conversation with Be Smart: Be Smart is a program aimed at adults. Firearms are the second cause of death of children. For Black children it is the first cause of death. A quarter of guns stolen are taken from a vehicle. The Be SMART framework is designed to help parents and adults normalize conversations about gun safety and take responsible actions that can prevent child gun deaths and injuries. Smart is an acronym for Secure (all guns in your home and vehicles), Model (responsible behavior around guns), Ask (about the presence of unsecured guns in other homes), Recognize (the role of guns in suicide), Tell (your peers to be SMART). Discussion of including a Land Acknowledgement as a part of HRC meetings: Commissioners and two members of the Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) spoke on the work and research that was completed to put the acknowledgement together. Motion to approve the land acknowledgement by Lindley, seconded by Sivanthaphanith. Motion passes 7-0. Andino moved for the Commission to recommend that the City Council adopt the land acknowledgement to be used at their meetings and formal events and also require other City boards and commissions to do the same, the motion was seconded by Lusala. Motion passes 7-0. This recommendation is dependent upon the agreement by TRC as to its contents. Members of the Commission and the TRC will form a taskforce to meet with elders and Indigenous leaders on an ongoing basis. Lindley and Rivera will serve on this taskforce. Update Diversity Markets from the South District Neighborhood Association: Several members of the Commission attended the diversity markets. The Commission reviewed the report sent by the South District on the success of the markets. Discussion of the American Rescue Plan Act Funds: Commissioners discussed and heard about the Excluded Workers Coalition that works to demand fair and equitable allocations of the funds to front line workers and those most heavily impacted by the pandemic including but not limited to persons who are immigrants, undocumented, or formerly incarcerated. Staff will send out the link to the Commission on the presentation that the Catholic Worker House did for the TRC back in May of 2021. HRC Subcommittees: Housing: No update. Anti -Racism: On June 28 there was a virtual screening of Stonewall Forever that was followed by a panel discussion. There was also a presentation done to the AM Rotary upon their request for implicit bias training. There is a plan to do another program in August on implicit bias. Health Equity: the group does not meet regulary but members have been working on matters of health and equity in the community in their individual capacity. Commission Statement in Support of Black Lives Matter: Comments were made on how well written the updated statement is that continues to support Black Lives Matter. Social Justice and Racial Equity Grants: Several of the organizations granted funding in the last year have submitted their final year ending reports including Little Creations and Inside Out Reentry. The year ending reports are not due until July 31, 2021 National Hispanic American Heritage Month Proclamation: Andino will accept the proclamation at the September 7, 2021 City Council meeting. Reports of Commissioners: Andino is preparing for a qualifying exam scheduled for the first week in August. Glass recently returned from his various assignments in the Army Reserves. Pries updated the Commission on his work in Cedar County and that his son was recognized as Iowa Coach of the Year. Lusala is delighted to see everyone in person. Maliabo is currently fostering 3 children for whose families she had served as an interpreter for in family court. Sivanthaphanith has been gearing up for IC Pride and is expecting a lot more people to show up for this year's festivities. Sivanthaphanith will be stepping down from their position with IC Pride later this year to do global marketing for LGBTQ. Adjourned: 6:50 / ° t -MR \ ANTELOPE LENDING LIBRARY To Whom It May Concern: July 2021 Thank you so much for this opportunity! The funding awarded to us been invaluable during a year full of changes and uncertainty. Like many organizations over the past year, we adjusted how we reach our patrons and families to ensure safety for all. In March 2020, we suspended our in-service bookmobile stops due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In June 2020, we pivoted our services into no -contact weekly delivery of Sensory Kits. In September 2020, we shifted to delivery of kits from once a week to once a month, as families needed time to learn how to manage remote schooling and other increased home responsibilities. Through the funding provided by the SJRE grant, we continued this monthly service through May 2021. These kits provided materials and instructions for families to create while focusing on activities that promote sensory processing, which is what our Sensory Stops aimed to achieve when working with autistic kiddos and their families in -person. In January 2021, we also began sharing Creative Engagement Kits in the Little Free Libraries in the South District neighborhoods. These monthly activity kits are similar to our Sensory Kits in that they encourage hands on learning at home at no cost to participants. This funding also allowed us to continue to develop our large print collection. We've added titles to our Middle Grade, YA, and Adult Fiction and Non -Fiction collections. These have been very popular among patrons —including struggling readers —who benefit from our free, no -contact book delivery service through Antelope ROAMS (Requested Open Access Material Service). As of June 2021, we are back on the road with our bookmobile library offering masked, in -person library service and programming. The large print books that we were able to add to our collection over the last year are now being enjoyed by patrons in -person as well as through the continuation of our still in -demand ROAMS home delivery service! Thank you again for the financial support. Your funding was vital in enabling us to ask the question of "how" to provide services, not "if we can provide services. Please let us know if you need any additional documentation for this report Sincerely, Cassandra Elton Founder & Library Director Antelope Lending Library Cell: 908-868-5142 Work:319-343-6872 cassandra@antelopelendinglibrary.org FACEBOOK WEBSITE MAILING ADDRESS Faceboolccom/AntelopeLendingLibrary AntelopeLendingLibrary.org 450 HWY 1 W #126, Iowa City, IA 52246 • Succcssfui Living SJRE Report Due July 31 ", 2021 Organization Information: Name: Successful Living Mailing Address: 2406 Towncrest Drive, Iowa City, IA 52240 Telephone number: (319) 358-6800 Website Address: www.icsuccess.org Name and title of contact person: Caitlin McGowan, Grants and Development Director Contact oerson's telephone number and email address: (319) 358-6800 ext. 108; cmcgowan(&icsuccess.org Grant Title: Therapeutic and Cultural Activity Program Award amount: $18,000 Grant report dates: June 1 ", 2020, through June 30`h, 2021 (extension granted through FY22) Proiect Activities and Fund Usage In Successful Living's proposal for the Therapeutic and Cultural Event Fund we identified a major need for our client base to have access to more socialization and community events. A major barrier to our client population's ability to be visible and feel valued in our community is the cost associated with attending community events and other socialization opportunities. Often our clients feel very isolated due to their mental health symptoms or fear of the continued stigma for those with chronic mental illness. The funds provided through the SJRE grant have enabled us to be able to include our clients in community events they would not otherwise be able to enjoy. This has proven very effective in not only improving our client's mental health, but also for the increased visibility and socialization in the local community. Listed below are some of the recent outings and events that our clients were able to participate in: • Attending a movie at Marcus Theaters • Multiple cookouts/barbeques for clients to gather and socialize at • Trip to Colonial Lanes for bowling and mini golf • Trip to Adventureland • Trip to Wilsons Apple Orchard • Trip to Cryptiq Escapes (escape room) • "The Dinner Detective" Series (interactive murder mystery dinner program) • Group outing to Sports Clips (self-care/self-esteem building) • Craft Supplies for group activities (socialization, creativity) • Little Free Library established (many clients have enjoyed having access to this) • Trip to Fun City (arcade, bowling etc.) • Trip to Lost Island Waterpark Funds Awarded Funds Used Remaining Funds Available $18,000 $4,370 $13,630 Results and Impacts The events listed above have been very beneficial to our clients and they have reported having an excellent time at each event/outing. Clients have felt as though they were able to develop friendships with people they otherwise would not have socialized with and have reported feeling more visible and accepted while in the community. I have included some staff testimonials regarding some of the activities and events below: • "With the help of the activity funds, we were able to take the clients to places like Adventureland and Lost Island Waterpark. The clients enjoyed both outings and wished we could go more often. In addition, we were able to take our clients to places they normally wouldn't be able to go. Many of our clients felt that they had made lifelong friendships after riding some water rides and rollercoasters together. The activity fund made it possible for clients who cannot afford the tickets to join in for "a day of fun." • "We attended "The Dinner Detective" in Cedar Rapids which was on the top floor of the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel downtown. It was an interactive murder mystery. Three residents attended the event. It was a special night for them. They all wore dresses and fixed their hair. It was fancy dinner with Chocolate Lava Cake for dessert. The play was a mystery where there were clues given throughout the event. It was both a comedy and a who -done -it. The residents loved the outing. They don't get a chance to dress up and go to a classy place. None of the residents could have afforded the ticket price. I think they also felt very included in society because they were surrounded by middle class to upper middle-class people. It was great community integration. " Successful Living works with clients who are extremely marginalized, often in multiple ways on top of their chronic mental illness. Part of our goal as an agency is to improve community integration and reduce the stigma surrounding those who experience chronic mental illness. The Therapeutic and Cultural Activity Fund has enabled us to assist our clients in becoming more comfortable being seen in the community while also feeling supported by having staff available during these times. Most clients identify that the activities funded were not otherwise options for them to attend and are glad that they have been able to have experiences that others in the community may take for granted. Challenges and Lessons Learned COVID-19 presented a significant barrier to being able to use the entirety of the grant funds, requiring some creative thinking on our part to continue to provide socialization and community integration for our client population while also keeping our clients safe. We were able to do this by socializing in smaller groups and editing what activities were chosen (client barbeques, projects for clients to work on together etc.) In recent months many places have begun to reopen, allowing us to accelerate the use of funds. With the provided extension into FY22, we are confident that we will be able to utilize the rest of the funds available and continue to make an impact on the daily lives and futures of our clients. The funds manager will assist in ensuring the funds are used by aiding in locating and informing the various Successful Living program directors and staff of available cultural and therapeutic activities available. This will assist in the use of funds in organization and planning in order to engage as many of our clients and staff as possible to continue to broaden the use of grant funds. �fO,'V N AWNA � , AX WITA Grants and Development Director Successful Living 4 Additional Photos of Funds in Action -Lost Island and Fun Citv Trigs 7/19/2021 Human Rights Commission's statement on continued support of Black Lives Matter I City of Iowa City COVID-19 & VACCINATIONS CITY GOVERNMENT SERVICES PAYMENT NEWS & MEDIA CALENDAR REPORTACONCERN CLIMATE ACTION CItyof IOWA CITY A UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE Q Search this site Search Home / News Human Rights Commission's statement on continued support of Black Lives Matter The Iowa City Human Rights Commission stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. We are part of a society where the lives of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color continue to be affected by structural racism, lack of opportunity, health disparities, and direct violence by the police and others. American cities, including Iowa City, have for too long been complacent or complicit. The Iowa City Human Rights Commission hereby reaffirms its longstanding commitment, and pledges to more fully act in solidarity with all who are targets of this violence and inequity. The Commission recognizes the ongoing oppression occurring not just in police departments, but also eviction courts, legislatures, banks, academia, and hospitals. Additionally, this includes any space where Iowa City has been complacent about and complicit in the eradication of intellectual and cultural contributions by Black, Indigenous and People of Color, as well as women, and ignores the racism present in the contributions of white people and the sexism present in the works of males. We pledge the following actions to embody our affirmation that Black Lives Matter. • We will continue to uplift the contributions of nonwhite, non -male, and non-Eurocentric people in our recommendations to the Iowa City City Council and support events dedicated to their recognition. • We will actively confront racism, sexism, or other forms of bias within the work of the Commission or City of Iowa City by pursuing training to increase our a Select "IV https://www. icgov.org/news/human-rights-commission % 27s-statement-continued-support-black-I ives-matter 1 /4 7/19/2021 Human Rights Commission's statement on continued support of Black Lives Matter I City of Iowa City sexism and bias. • We will support City departments' efforts to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion. • We will plan and promote additional programming opportunities focused on understanding oppression and recognizing the contributions of people from underrepresented groups, as well as promoting widespread discussion of related issues and concerns. The differential valuing of life, achievement, opportunity, and intellectual and cultural contributions based on which racialized group one is thought to be a member of is manifestly unjust. It compels us to repeat, internalize, and act on the affirmation that Black lives matter. Black lives do matter, and our collective practices, discourses, policies, and laws must reflect this. Black lives matter for the same reason that everyone's life matters; yet we are compelled to affirm that Black lives matter precisely because institutions, practices, and behaviors have so long denied it. We are committed to continuously engaging the people of our community in dialogue and action to realize a world in which "Black lives matter' is a simple description of how we all live. Until that world is achieved, we stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. G Date of publication Thursday, July 01, 2021 Department Equity and Human Rights f u in 8+ Quick links City Code City Council Commodities, services, consulting bids Construction project bids Fire Select Language https://www.icgov.org/news/human-rights-commission % 27s-statement-continued-support-black-Iives-matter 2/4 MOVING FORWARD ON SOCIAL, J�STIR FIXING THE Cl% `� 1l�I�iv Ylfj6;r AP PIPELINE Wednesday S `t 14 1.4 O. /HOMAS NE VIA ZOOM'������..``;i�i�<«�, PRESENTEEWKIRK,_IMPLICItA3,lAO OF A THREE-PART SERIES-. �. nw�Gl; @ichumanrights 8/18/2021 Iowa City Human Rights Commission seeking nominations for 38th Annual Human Rights Awards Iowa City Human Rights Commission seeking nominations for 38th Annual Human fti"t'9 %SpE3tes from City of Iowa City City of Iowa City sent this bulletin at 08/17/2021 02:07 PM CDT Email AddressF e.g. name@eaar Subscribe BXflRE Having trouble viewing this email? \/'evi 't as a Web page. Share Bulletin 10WACIT90'" City of FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dale: 08/17/2021 Contact: Stefanie Bowers, Equity Director Phone: 319-356-5022 Iowa City Human Rights Commission seeking nominations for 38th Annual Human Rights Awards The Iowa City Human Rights Commission is seeking nominations for its 38th Annual Human Rights Awards. Individuals, businesses, or organizations whose ongoing work, service, or contributions have positively impacted Human Rights either locally or abroad may be nominated in the foil owing categories'. The Isabel Turner Award: For working forth a rights of individuals to get fair and ethical treatment and/or volunteering time to an organ izali on or business that works for these. Rick Graf Award: For long-term commitment of an individual, business, or individual with a service organization, to a specific cause or forth a benefit of a specific group of persons. Linda Severson Award: For outstanding contributions to human rights by an individual in a service organization. International Award: For significant contributions to human rights in the global community. Bill Reagan Business/Community Award: For outstanding contributions to human rights by a business or organization. Kenneth Cartel Award: For active contributions to the field of human rights by a college or graduate student. https://content.govdel ivery.com/accountsliAlOWA/buIletins/2ecf572 112 8/18/2021 Iowa City Human Rights Commission seeking nominations for 38th Annual Human Rights Awards How to Submit a Nomination Nominations can be submitted online.. Nominations are open until Thursday. Sept. 30, 2021. The Awards Ceremony The awards will be presented on Wednesday, Oct. 27. 2021 in a small ceremony at City Hall, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City. e d 43 ��y�i Questlons? CITY Of IOl1'A CITY w+ocoanaunlu,uu F9L\'[IIHPIPI4NIa�� floc, .Iinr Powered by gOVDEL/VERYQ https://content.govdeliverycom/accountsliAlOWA/bulletins/2ecf572 2/2 8/18/2021 Save the date: Freedom Rider and Civil Rights activist to speak at Englert Theatre Sept. 22 Save the date: Freedom Rider and Civil Rights activist to speak at Englert Theatre S,"$e to updates from City of Iowa City City of Iowa City sent this bulletin at 08/18/2021 09:07 AM CDT Email Address e.g. nam yrraar Subscribe O SHflflE Having trouble viewing this email? V'ew't as a Web page. Share Bulletin 10WACIT90'" City of FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dale: 08/18/2021 Coni Stefanie Bowers, Equity Director Phone: 319-356-5022 Save the date: Freedom Rider, Civil Rights activist and Filmmaker to speak at Englert Theatre Sept. 22 In recognition critic 601" Anniversary of the Freedom Rides of 1961, the Office of Equity and Human Rights has the pleasure of hosting Freedom Rider and Civil Rights Activist Joan Trumpauer Mulholland and her son, filmmaker Loki Mulholland, from 6-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22 at the Englert Civic Theatre, 221 E. Washington St., Iowa City. Seating will be limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This event will be live streamed on Zoom. There is no cost to attend or participate. The evening will include a film screening of "An Ordinary Hero: The Tree Story of Joan Trumpauer Mulholland," directed by Loki Mulholland. Afterward, Abena Imhotep Sankofa of Sankofa Literary Group of Des Moines will moderate an in -panel discussion with Joan and Loki. The two will answer https://content.govdel ivery.com/accountsliAlOWA/buIletins/2ebf3ec 1 /3 8/18/2021 Save the date: Freedom Rider and Civil Rights activist to speak at Englert Theatre Sept. 22 questions about the film as well as their continued Civil Rights and anti -racism work through the Joan Trumpeter Mulholland Foundation. Founded in 2014the foundation began with a goal to preserve, share and continue Joan'a legacy. Its goal is to educate people about the Civil Rights Movement and how they can make a difference in their community. Joan Trumpauer Mulholland, a recipient of the 2015 National Civil Rights Museum Freedom Award, is a Civil Rights icon who participated in aver 50 sit-ins and demonstrations by the time she was 23 years old. She was a Freedom Rider, a participant in the Jackson Woolworth's Sit-in, the March on Washington, the Meredith March, and the Selma to Montgomery March. She was the first white student to enroll at Ttugaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi and served as the local secretary of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). She also became the first while member to be initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the largest African American Greek Sorority. For her actions, she was disowned by her family, attacked, shot at, cursed at, put on death row, and hunted down by the Klan for execution. Her path has crossed with some of the biggest names in the Civil Rights Movement: Martin Luther King, Merger Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer, John Lewis, Diane Nash, and Julian Bond. She has appeared in numerous books and documentaries and has received numerous awards and recognition far her work in the Civil Rights Movement. Loki Mulholland is an award -winning filmmaker, author, and activist. An Emmy-winning producer who has received 40 Telly Awards, Loki s films on race and social justice issues have won 14 Best Documentary awards including the National Black Film Festival for his film on institutional racism, 'The Uncomfortable Truth". His first book, 'She Stood For Freedom' was nominated for the 2017 Amelia Bloomer Award. Through the Mulhollands' work, they have found that the most effective way to change racist ideology is to begin with education. Racism is a learned behavior. Adults and children alike can benefit from a change in perspective and an increased awareness of the past. The Joan f rumpauer Mulholland Foundation takes a multi -faceted approach to educating people on anti -racism. Through classroom curricula, documentary films, podcasting, books, speaking engagements.. and school assemblies, they cater to the different ways people can best understand new concepts and reframe old ones. To register Details on how to receive a complimentary ticket for the inhperson event or to view via Zoom will be released at a later date. If you need disability -related accommodations to participate in this program, please contact Equity Director Stefanie Bowers at 319-356-5022 or Stefanie-bowersrcaiov✓a-cityorg. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. Questions? Contact Us CITY OT IOWA CITY STAY CONNECTED: M © M ® T https://content.govdelivery.com/accountsliAlOWA/bulletins/2ebf3ec 2/3 The following documents were handed out during the meeting. August 23, 2021 Memo regarding $8 Million Excluded Workers Fund pilot project Iowa City Human Rights Commission: Low -wage excluded workers of color living in crisis in Johnson County cannot wait until November before American Rescue Plan money is released to them in the form of direct aid and cash assistance. This is an urgent human rights issue. The local general assistance programs are structurally biased against racial minorities and their urgent needs and are not an adequate solution. Our full plan for a $54 Million Excluded Workers Fund is the only comprehensive plan to deliver pandemic relief to excluded workers left behind; while also making transformational investments in wages, housing, transportation, farming, and climate change. While we continue to work together to pass a fully -funded $54 million Excluded Workers Fund, we ask for your support to direct Johnson County and Iowa City to immediately create an $8 million pilot project now, with no restrictions, in order to meet the need. An $8 million Excluded Workers Fund pilot program would deliver $3,200 in stimulus to the 2,500 most vulnerable and excluded workers. The city and the county should split the cost of the pilot fund 50/50, $4 million each, and work with our coalition to iron out the other details. Washington's Excluded Workers Fund is one potential model that could be replicated here with a few tweaks. Their program was established between state and local governments and the leading immigrant workers coalition, with a third -party data group administering applications. The only requirements were proof of identity, proof of residency, and a self -certification by the applicant; for example that they did not receive a stimulus check or unemployment insurance. We ask that you recommend the immediate creation of an $8 million Excluded Workers Fund pilot project, without restrictions, to meet the urgent need now. $54 Million Fund Excluded Workers Coalition Plan: $20 million in direct cash assistance for up to 6,000 excluded workers, undocumented immigrants, previously incarcerated people, cash economy workers, and their families. $20 million in hazard pay bonuses of $1,600 each for up to 12,000 low -wage, public -sector, and essential workers in Johnson County who make less than $15 an hour. $5 million to purchase 54 new units of affordable and cooperative housing for immigrants, refugees, and previously incarcerated people. $3 million to expand public transit to late -nights and Sundays. $3 million for agrarian reform, to return stolen land back to Black, Indigenous, and People Of Color. $3 million to grassroots, BIPOC-led nonprofits and faith institutions, with annual budgets less than $250,000 and demonstrable bases of community support, who do not primarily rely on government funding. The 16-group Fund Excluded Workers coalition includes Iowa City Catholic Worker, Iowa City Ad -Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Iowa Freedom Riders, LULAC 308, LULAC Statewide Council, Great Plains Action Society, Ex -Incarcerated People Organizing (EXPO) Iowa, Iowa Student Action, SEIU Local 199, AFSCME 12, Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, Corridor Community Action Network, Iowa City Mutual Aid Collective, Iowa City Democratic Socialists of America, Community Transportation Committee, and Veterans for Peace Iowa City.