$5 here, $1 there: Milwaukee alderman proposes ordinance to clamp down on panhandling

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- For those who frequently drive down Milwaukee streets, chances are at some point on your regular route, you've come across a person asking for money. Alderman Bob Donovan is asking citizens to stop giving money to panhandlers when you see them, saying it's only making the problem worse.

"These individuals are taking the money that they receive by good well-intentioned citizens, I have no doubt well-intentioned citizens. They are using that money to fuel their drug habits or perhaps their alcohol abuse," said Donovan.

The alderman didn't have specific statistics to back up his claims, but says anecdotally, he thinks the problem of panhandlling has gotten worse over the last year.

"I am asking them not to give money to these panhandlers that we see," said Donovan.



Alderman Donovan says he plans to push for legislation that would prohibit people from standing on street medians and asking for money.

"They would probably be issued a ticket if there are enough tickets and there's a bench warrant, they could certainly be arrested," said Donovan.

Supporters flanked the alderman as he announced the proposed ordinance to crack down on panhandlers, but the move isn't sitting well with some.

"Some you know have drug issues and alcohol issues but there's a lot of people who they're just in a tough situation and they have nowhere to go, nothing to do, no way to provide for them and their family," said Kevin Sas-perez, Milwaukee resident.

Alderman Donovan is also calling on the area's social service agencies to directly reach out to panhandlers and educate them on their options.

"Please get out on the streets and try to help these individuals," said Donovan.

Alderman Donovan says he plans to research what other communities across the country are doing to crack down on panhandling as he's working on this proposed ordinance. He plans to introduce the legislation this next cycle.