JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville councilman expressed his disapproval of a bill moving forward in the city council that aims to prohibit the use of city funds for services to people living in the country illegally.
Councilman Matt Carlucci said in a statement to News4JAX on Friday he was “deeply troubled” by Ordinance 025-0138, and called it “flawed and mean-spirited,” adding that the bill does not reflect his values or “the kind the great city of Jacksonville should strive for.”
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The bill, introduced by Councilman Rory Diamond, would track how city, state and federal grants are used for DEI, and services that support immigrants living in the country illegally.
Diamond said the bill is “essentially the second half” of the Jacksonville Illegal Immigration Enforcement Act that was approved by the city council in late March.
“If you are accepting essentially services paid for by taxpayer dollars here in Jacksonville and you’re not in the country illegally, you shouldn’t be able to get it,” Diamond said during a Rules Committee meeting.
On Tuesday, the Jacksonville Finance Committee unanimously approved an amended version of the ordinance. The amendments approved include providing an exception for Shands Jacksonville Medical Center, now called UF Health, an exception for sex trafficking victims, and a one-year exemption for Kids Hope Alliance.
But Carlucci said he would not support the legislation, even with the exemptions that were added.
“While exemptions are now being added for certain groups like victims of trafficking, what about those we may overlook? The unintended consequences could be serious and lasting. Rather than solving a real problem, this bill seems more aimed at making a political statement and it is not good policy and is a dangerous way to govern,” Carlucci said.
If passed, the bill would require Mayor Donna Deegan to submit a report to the Finance Committee on or before June 30, including:
- A list and description of all federal grants to the city
- Confirmation that the City of Jacksonville is in compliance with all applicable federal and state anti-discrimination laws
- A list and explanation of any employment practices or other city policies related to the application of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- The number of people living in the country illegally, if any, living in public housing under the jurisdiction and control of the City or any of its independent agencies.
In his statement, Carlucci also urged his colleagues to consider the long-term harm it may cause before casting their votes.
Read Carlucci’s full statement below:
“I am deeply troubled by the proposed legislation that would exclude undocumented individuals especially children, from city supported services. This bill is flawed, mean-spirited, and doesn’t reflect the values I hold or the kind the great city of Jacksonville should strive for.
While exemptions are now being added for certain groups like victims of trafficking, what about those we may overlook? The unintended consequences could be serious and lasting. Rather than solving a real problem, this bill seems more aimed at making a political statement and it is not good policy and is a dangerous way to govern.
I could never look a child in the eye and justify turning them away from help. I won’t support this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to consider the long in term harm it may cause before casting their votes.”
Jacksonville City Councilman Matt Carlucci
News4JAX reached out to the city for a comment on Kids Hope Alliance and how this could impact them. Officials replied, saying they will review the bill once it’s finalized.