Contact: (608) 267-7669 Milwaukee—Rep. JoCasta Zamarripa (D-Milwaukee) released the following statement on Gov. Evers plan to legalize medical marijuana, decriminalize small amounts of marijuana and expunge the records of those convicted with possession of small amounts of marijuana: “I’m so thankful to the governor and my fellow legislators who have put forward commonsense proposals that will change lives. Currently, opioid addiction and overdose are hurting individuals and families across the state. Having accessible, legal medicinal marijuana will help many in pain without the harmful effects of addictive narcotics. “Not only that, but people of color are currently having their lives

Milwaukee, WI–“Governor Evers is doing the right thing for Wisconsinites by moving forward to legalize medical marijuana. Families in Wisconsin deserve the right to legally access medical marijuana to alleviate a wide variety of symptoms related to medical conditions, such as cancer, glaucoma, and seizures. Patients that need medication should not be treated as criminals. Access to medical marijuana is an especially important tool in our state’s battle to fight the opioid epidemic, which has needlessly destroyed the lives of too many. Medical marijuana has also been shown to be helpful for disorders uniquely impacting veterans, including post-traumatic stress disorder

For Further Information Contact: Speaker Robin Vos (608) 266-3387 Rep.Vos@legis.wi.gov Madison…Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) released the following statement concerning Governor Evers’ marijuana proposal that was released to the media. “Without having specific details, his proposal appears to go too far. It makes it easier to get recreational marijuana and provides a pathway to full legalization, which I do not support. I’m open to medical marijuana when it’s prescribed by a doctor but it has to be done in a targeted way without allowing recreational use.”

Contact: (608) 266-2540 Madison – Rep. Born joined his Assembly Republican colleagues to call on Governor Evers to include a number of criminal justice initiatives in his upcoming budget. Lawmakers came together at six locations across the state to outline their priorities for the upcoming budget. Joining Rep. Born in Madison was Dodge County District Attorney Kurt Klomberg. “Today we presented Governor Evers with a number of initiatives that we are willing to work with him on that will improve our criminal justice system from start to finish,” said Rep. Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam). “We call on Governor Evers to

CONTACT: Rep. Amy Loudenbeck Rep.Loudenbeck@legis.wi.gov (608) 266-9967 Madison – Today, Assembly Republicans announced a package of criminal justice investments they hope to work on with Governor Tony Evers during the biennial budget process. In a series of press conferences across the state, Assembly Republicans stated their intention to advocate for inclusion of the following initiatives in the 2019-2020 budget: Ensure adequate representation for prosecutors and public defenders so trials occur with minimal delay, as guaranteed by the constitution Expand Treatment Alternatives and Diversion (TAD) programs for offenders who enter into drug/alcohol treatment or other risk reduction services as an alternative

For more information, please contact: Nick Novak, 608.258.3400 State Chamber Urges Gov. Evers to Rethink Path to Legalization MADISON – Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) – the state’s largest business association – urged Gov. Tony Evers on Monday to rethink his plan to decriminalize marijuana for recreational use. Not only does Evers’ plan put Wisconsin at odds with federal law, the state’s business leaders are concerned about the impacts marijuana decriminalization will have on workplace safety. Employees who test positive for marijuana use had 55 percent more industrial accidents, 85 percent more injuries and 75 percent greater absenteeism compared to