Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers on Tuesday announced new funding for law enforcement agencies and other members of the criminal justice system.
In total, the governor is dishing out more than $50 million to address public safety.
According to the governor’s office, $19 million will be sent to local and tribal law enforcement groups to provide “training, recruitment bonuses, community policing needs, and technology investments.”
“Today, I’m announcing we’re investing nearly $19 million for local and tribal law enforcement agencies in every corner of the state. Whether it’s training, recruitment bonuses, community policing needs, or technology, these funds will help our local and tribal law enforcement agencies address their community’s specific public safety needs. At the end of the day, folks, from investing in mental health support and diversion to getting folks a fair and speedy trial, to bolstering re-entry programming, we’re going to follow the science and use evidence-based, data-driven strategies to build a safer, fairer Wisconsin for everyone,” Evers said in a statement.
Additionally, close to $20 million will be directed to the Milwaukee area, including funds specifically to reduce the backlog of criminal cases in Milwaukee County.
Other funds will be sent to the State Public Defender’s office to expand operations.
Republicans have blasted Evers over his hesitancy and lack of action surrounding public safety amid an extended crime spike.
According to data from the MacIver Institute, “Wisconsin saw a 62% increase in murders, and the violent crime rate per 100,000 people rose 8.85% between 2019 and 2020.”
“Two years into a historic crime spike, Tony Evers is still ignoring families’ concerns and failing to take public safety seriously,” said Republican Party of Wisconsin Communications Director Anna Kelly, previously. “Wisconsin families deserve a real leader who will stand up for law enforcement and fight to keep our communities safe – not a feckless figurehead who will only pass the buck.”
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Wisconsin Daily Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Tony Evers” by Tony Evers.Â
