What the hell does this mean . . .

If you have income, and it doesn’t come from a job, you’re apparently not worthy to live in Madison Development Corporation affordable housing unit. Um, I think that’s discrimination based on (legal) source of income. Ahem, hope the Fair Housing Center is paying attention!

From: Frank Staniszewski
Date: July 30, 2012 1:40:10 PM CDT
To: “Maniaci, Bridget”
Subject: 738 e dayton

Ald. Maniaci:

We have finished the work on 738 E Dayton St.

We think it looks a whole lot better. We hope you and the neighbors agree.

Plus we have had a total turnaround of tenants. Still lower income, but almost every one is employed—just not making a lot of money, which is common these days.

Plus no police calls since we turned it over.

Thanks for your support.

Frank Staniszewski, MDC

“Making a lot of money” – I’m not sure what that was code for, but people on W-2 make $653 per month, which I wouldn’t call that “making a lot of money”. People on SSI and SSDI make different amounts of money, but still I wouldn’t call it “making a lot of money”. Was he referring to drug dealers? Or something else? I don’t know, but it was disturbing to see this on my neighborhood listserve.

For the record, this is what the state laws says . ..

Wis. Stat. 106/50(1) . . .

It is the declared policy of this state that all persons shall have an equal opportunity for housing regardless of sex, race, color, sexual orientation, disability, religion, national origin, marital status, family status, status as a victim of domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking, lawful source of income, age, or ancestry and it is the duty of the political subdivisions to assist in the orderly prevention or removal of all discrimination in housing through the powers granted under ss. 66.0125 and 66.1011.