Contact: Senator Alberta Darling, 1-608-266-5830
MADISON – Milwaukee is one of four American cities whose murder rates are back at 1990’s levels. According to The Wall Street Journal, 17 people were murdered in Milwaukee this year – compared to nine at the same point in 2016.
Senator Alberta Darling says despite Mayor Barrett’s claims, her legislation to deal with habitual criminals won’t automatically fix the crime problem in the city and Milwaukee officials need to enforce the laws already on the books.
“I worked with Mayor Barrett and Chief Flynn to target a very small sliver of the problem,” Darling said, “They both know one bill won’t change the fact that prosecutors and judges are letting criminals off the hook.”
According to an investigative report by Fox6 News last October: “Three out of every four felons arrested in Milwaukee County for possession of a gun do not go to prison. More than half aren’t even convicted.”
The same report states Milwaukee County routinely lets felons off the hook for possessing a gun. Fox6 reported: “20% serve less than one year in jail, and 75% serve less than three.” Senator Darling says her bill faces an uphill battle because of the mayor’s recent comments.
“When the mayor ignores the fact criminals don’t fear punishment for gun crimes in his city, it makes it harder to pass another bill,” Darling said, “The mayor says he wants a better relationship with Madison and then blames the Legislature and law-abiding citizens for problems he’s ignored.”
Senator Darling represents portions of Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha Counties.