2015-1256 RESOLUTION 2015 -1256
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A REFERENDUM TO PROPOSE A
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO DEFINE A PERSON AS A HUMAN BEING
AND DECLARE MONEY IS NOT FREE SPEECH
WHEREAS, The Supreme Court of the United States of America ruled that corporations
are people and money is free speech in the Citizens United decision; and
WHEREAS, such ruling gives corporations and the wealthy undue political influence;
and
WHEREAS, democracy can only properly function when human beings have equal
representation and access to their elected officials;
NOW, THEREFORE the Common Council of the City of Janesville, Rock County hereby
resolves as follows:
The Common Council directs that the following question be submitted to the electors in
a referendum during the Spring election to be held on April 5, 2016.
"Shall the Citizens of Janesville support the following resolution?
Resolved, that "We the People" of the City of Janesville, Wisconsin, seek to reclaim
democracy from the expansion of corporate personhood rights and the corrupting
influence of unregulated political contributions and spending. We stand with
communities across the country to support passage of an amendment to the United
States Constitution stating:
1. Only human beings — not corporations, unions, non profits or similar associations —
are endowed with constitutional rights, and
2. Money is not speech, and therefore regulating political contributions and spending
is not equivalent to limiting political speech.
Be It Further Resolved, that the City of Janesville Clerk is directed to forward a copy of
this resolution to our state and federal representatives with instructions to enact
resolutions and legislation to advance this effort."
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Common Council hereby authorizes the City
Administration to take whatever reasonable necessary and /or desirable actions it
determines appropriate to effectuate the intent of this resolution authorizing referendum.
ADOPTED: November 23, 2015 Motion by: Tidwell
Second by: Bobzien
APPROVED: Councilmember Aye Nay Pass Absent
Bobzien X
11' L ate. Deupree X
Mark • . Freitag, City Manag% Farrell X
Gruber X
ATT : '. Liebert X
1 Marklein X
Tidwell X
David T. Godek, City Clerk- Treasurer
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Wald Klimczyk, City Attorney
Proposed by: Council President Marklein
Prepared by: City Clerk- Treasurer