Portland is getting $63.8 million in “rescue money” from the federal government to bail out the mismanaged city. The money is coming out of the $1.7 Trillion stimulus package passed by the US Congress last March.
The city has earmarked $2 million to spend on “the relief and recovery of artists of color.” In other words, free money to people alleging to be “artists” who are not White people. Peter Kirsanow, a Republican member of the US Civil Rights Commission, called this “racial discrimination” and a violation of civil rights law.” Kirsanow warned that the courts could block the money.
Portland has also earmarked $2.5 million, or 3.9% of the rescue money, to create “vibrant and inclusive community safe spaces,” whatever that means.
Meanwhile, Portland is earmarking $1 million for “wraparound Services for Families Impacted by Gun Violence”. Portland is experiencing its highest homicide rate in the history of the city, by a large margin.
The city government is also intentionally obfuscating the source of the money by mixing the federal rescue package with other city funds in the budget.
