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City Might Fight to Retain Residency Rules

Gov. Walker could wipe out Milwaukee’s long-standing residency requirement this weekend.

The state budget Walker plans to sign on Sunday includes a measure eliminating residency rules for most municipal workers. First responders would have to live near the communities they serve.

If Gov. Walker does not veto the residency provision, Milwaukee Common Council President Willie Hines says aldermen might push back.

“We’ve not concluded on what steps and/or actions we’ll take at this point in time. Council members are continuing to put forth ideas and concepts. We want to be poised and prepared,” Hines says.

Hines has authored two resolutions, and the Common Council will consider them Tuesday – if the governor wipes out the residency requirement.

One of Hines’ plans would order city officials to continue enforcing residency. The other would direct the city attorney to file a lawsuit, challenging the constitutionality of the state action.

Ann-Elise is WUWM's news director.