MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul released the following statement in reaction to Governor Evers signing the 2019-21 biennial budget.

“The budget signed today by Governor Evers will help make our system of justice more effective and our communities safer. This is the best budget for Wisconsin’s criminal justice system in a very long time—and perhaps ever.

“With additional funding for Treatment Alternatives and Diversion (TAD) programs, communities will have access to additional resources to combat substance-use disorder. New positions at the Wisconsin State Crime Labs will help with turnaround times for the testing of evidence. And the funding of additional assistant district attorneys means there will be more resources that can be used to fight human trafficking, to prosecute sexual assault cases, to investigate and prosecute large-scale traffickers of heroin, fentanyl, and meth, and to ensure that diversion for treatment is happening in appropriate cases.

“This budget alone doesn’t fully address the challenges to the criminal justice system that have resulted from years of inadequate funding. There are significant improvements that can and should be made. Nevertheless, this budget marks a significant and welcome change in approach to the funding of the criminal justice system in Wisconsin

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