Contact: Rep. Terry Katsma
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Madison—Representative Terry Katsma (R–Oostburg) voted to address staffing shortages in district attorneys’ offices across the state. The measure funds 54 new assistant district attorney (ADA) positions in 40 Wisconsin counties with the greatest need; Sheboygan County would receive funding for two new full-time ADAs.
A recent study from the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau calculated the workload in each county and to what extent, if any, each county is understaffed to meet the need.
“I applaud this proposal that uses the criteria from the nonpartisan study to determine where to provide additional funding,” said Rep. Katsma. “Justice isn’t served for crime victims if our prosecutors are chronically overworked and unable to give the attention appropriately due to each case.”
“The District Attorney’s Office is dealing on a regular basis with the heroin crisis, the harm of methamphetamine and other drug use, domestic violence, sexual assaults, children who need to be removed from their homes and others in crisis,” explained Sheboygan County District Attorney Joel Urmanski. “Additional prosecutors to work with these cases will give direct help to victims, defendants, children and the entire County.”
“Our county is committed to holding people accountable and helping victims,” said Sheboygan County Administrator Adam Payne. “These two new positions will help prevent cases from becoming backlogged and ensure that justice is being served.”
Governor Scott Walker has signaled his support for the measure, which was passed on Thursday by the full State Assembly; the bill heads now to the State Senate for consideration.
