TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — The Tucson City Council held a study session Wednesday, Feb. 21, to discuss the impending end of federal funds currently used to assist asylum seekers.
Current federal funding is expected to run out on March 31st, giving cities like Tucson just under six weeks to decide how to deal with the continued influx of migrants into the region. Become.
The general consensus at the study group was that there was no need to spend local tax dollars on what many considered a federal issue.
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“I'm not recommending spending general fund money…Our budget is limited and we're in a tight spot,” City Manager Michael Ortega said at the meeting.
Mayor Regina Romero said the responsibility for the federal government's inaction should not fall on Tucson or Pima County.
“Congress has to do its job,” Romero said during the study session. “They have the power to make policy, they have the power to allocate funding for their policies. Let them do it. They had the opportunity to act and they refused to act. ”
At this time, Congress has no plans to pass any legislation in the House or Senate to continue funding.
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madison thomas Joined KGUN 9 as a member in July 2023 multimedia journalist. She graduated from Arizona State University in May 2023 with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. She was a lifelong Arizona resident and grew up in Douglas. Madison is excited to share the story of the community where she grew up. Share your story ideas and important issues with Madison via email. madison.thomas@kgun9.com or by connecting Instagram, twitter or Facebook.
