South Bend Common Council overrides homeless bill veto, but falls short of votes

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The South Bend Common Council passed Resolution 20-22 on July 13th by a five to four vote which would address the homeless situation in the city. The Mayor was called on to declare a state of emergency over it, but instead vetoed the bill.

According to officials, Mayor James Mueller vetoed the resolution by issuing a “Statement of Administrative Policy”.

This move prompted a protest in front of the homes of the four Council members that opposed the bill, in the hopes that they would support a veto-override vote on July 27th.

At the Common Council meeting held Monday night, Councilman Henry Davis Jr. made a motion to override the veto, which was seconded.

The Council needed a two-thirds majority of six to three on the veto, but the motion was defeated by a five to four vote.

Councilmembers who voted against the bill have cited they didn’t agree with legality issues surrounding it, not that they are against creating a plan to end homelessness in South Bend.