CONTACT: Phil Anderson
Anderson for WI Governor
608-361-8608
phil@4PhilAnderson.org

“The injustices that Wisconsin’s ‘justice system’ inflicts on our residents must end now,” insists Anderson. “This system will, by next year, incarcerate more people than ever before in Wisconsin history. Currently, the incarceration rate of African-American men is 2nd highest in the country. This must end, and will end, if I am elected Governor.”

According to a Wisconsin State Bar Association article from March of 2017, racial disparities in incarceration in Wisconsin go back 50 years. “This is a justice issue, not a political one…” states (now past) State Bar President Fran Deisinger.

“We are now fully aware that the War on Drugs was intended to target blacks and Hispanics,” continues Anderson. “I agree with the ACLU, that the drug war is the new Jim Crow. It sure has been successful, especially in Wisconsin. “

“It’s essential that we also acknowledge the massive costs of the current system,” says Anderson. “The DOC budget has increased by almost 50% in the last 15 years, under both Democratic Governor Jim Doyle and Republican Scott Walker. Add that to the massive costs and stress that breaking up families incurs on other social services, and especially schools. Wisconsin taxpayers are footing a huge bill for a system that is racist and unjust.”

Anderson’s plan call for 6 points of emphasis.

“We must end the racist War on Drugs in Wisconsin, by first, legalizing recreational marijuana. Even most Republican-leaning people agree with legalization, and their party does not represent them on this. We must also decriminalize other drugs and treat drug addiction as a medical problem and move users into treatment programs and out of jails. I will oppose, wherever possible the Federal War on Drugs and any attempts to subvert state laws.”

“We must roll back mandatory minimum sentencing laws, so that judges are free to determine the just sentence for a particular situation.”

“We must not block juries from being aware of jury nullification. Juries do have the right to return a verdict of not guilty, not based on evidence, but based on an unjust law. Current practice in Wisconsin forbids juries from being informed of their right to nullify, and as Governor, I will end this injustice, so that juries can do the right thing in response to unjust laws.”

“As Governor I will immediately convene a Pardon Advisory Board, comprised of legal advisors and community members, and begin pardoning those incarcerated for victimless crimes. I will also support and promote expungement of criminal records of those only guilty of victimless crimes. “

“We must also honor and consider basic voting rights for all Wisconsinites. Convicted felons, once out of jail but still on paper, are prohibited from voting in Wisconsin. The punishment does not fit the crime. Everyone of legal age and residency should be free, and indeed encouraged, to vote, unless they are guilty of voter fraud. Your vote is your voice, and we must not silence people’s political voices unjustly.”

“None of us are truly free until we are all free, and it is my intent as Governor to insist on a system that treats those most historically oppressed and incarcerated the same as everyone else- with justice and parity.”

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