More Democratic Madness?
In a startling move, the liberal Mayor Mike Johnston of the sanctuary city announced a budget plan on Wednesday, earmarking a staggering $89.9 million to aid undocumented migrants. This decision is poised to have far-reaching consequences, with anticipated budget slashes hitting essential services like the police and fire department. The hefty sum, totaling around $45 million, will be siphoned from existing funds designated for vital public programs and services.
Denver’s Democrat-led city administration, under the leadership of Mayor Mike Johnston, has made a shocking decision to defund the police to address the ongoing migrant crisis. In a move that prioritizes undocumented migrants over the safety and security of its own citizens, the city plans to strip $8.4 million from the police budget.
Mayor Johnston, known for his progressive stance, unveiled a budget proposal that allocates a staggering $89.9 million to provide assistance to incoming undocumented migrants, whom he euphemistically refers to as “newcomers.” This decision comes at the expense of essential public services, with approximately $45 million being diverted from vital programs and services.
As a result of this reallocation, both the police and fire departments are expected to bear the brunt of budget cuts. Mayor Johnston defended this controversial move as the best option available to provide services to migrants, portraying it as a compassionate yet fiscally responsible approach.
“Today is proof that our hardest challenges are still solvable, and that together we are the ones who will solve them,” remarked Mayor Johnston during a press conference discussing the city’s budget reallocation for migrant assistance.
The city of Denver plans to allocate the $89.9 million to various migrant assistance programs in 2024, including funding for program administration, shelter and housing, supportive services, one-time capital costs, and contingency measures. However, these allocations come at a cost to essential services, with the fire department facing budget cuts of approximately $2.5 million and the police department enduring an $8.4 million reduction, equivalent to nearly two percent of its total operating budget.
In addition to the impact on public safety, other city departments such as Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resiliency, as well as the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, will also face significant budget reductions, further compromising the city’s ability to address pressing needs.
Denver finds itself grappling with an overwhelming influx of migrants, with more than 40,000 arrivals in 2023 alone, contributing to a total migrant population of around 710,000 in the city. Despite being stretched to its limits in terms of resources, the city has already spent over $42 million on migrant housing and medical services in 2023, with projections indicating a need to exceed $100 million for similar expenses in 2024.
The situation in Denver mirrors the challenges faced by other cities across the nation, such as New York, as they contend with the repercussions of the ongoing crisis at the southern border. Mayor Johnston had previously warned that the city would need to allocate a significant portion of its budget to address the needs of migrants, underscoring the magnitude of the challenge ahead.
In light of these developments, concerns have been raised about the city’s priorities and the impact of diverting resources away from essential services like law enforcement. As Denver grapples with the ramifications of its decision, questions remain about the long-term implications for public safety and the well-being of its residents.
