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City says federal and state executive orders forced conservative approach to DEI spending; $300,000 general-fund allocation to revert if unused
Summary
Margie Rice, Bloomington’s corporate counsel, told the Common Council on Aug. 25 that federal and state executive orders this year required the city to take a conservative approach to DEI spending tied to federal funds, citing a risk of losing federal grants and possible False Claims Act exposure if officials certify compliance and then violate those rules.
Mayor Mike Thompson and city legal staff told the Bloomington Common Council on Aug. 25 that federal and state executive orders issued earlier this year prompted a conservative approach to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) spending tied to federal funds.
Margie Rice, corporate counsel for Bloomington City, said her office advised the administration to follow the federal and state guidance even when it conflicts with local priorities. “Based on legal advice from my office and from me, we have taken a conservative approach to follow the federal and state guidelines,” Rice told the council. She said the administration is acting out of concern that noncompliance could risk federal funding and expose city officials to…
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