Contact: Rep. David Bowen

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Over 2/3rds of Wisconsinites are Ready for Further Substantive Reforms

MILWAUKEE – In response to the Marquette University Law Poll finding that over two-thirds of Wisconsinites support criminal justice reform initiatives, Rep. David Bowen (D-Milwaukee) released the following statement:

“Today’s Marquette University Law Poll shows a clear pattern: the people of our State are ready to put the ‘tough on crime’ era of the past behind them and embrace substantive reforms for a new justice system.”

Today, the Marquette University Law School released poll results gauging the public’s support for certain legislative issues.  Among the issues that over 70% of registered voters showed support for were: the use of Marijuana for medical purposes with a doctor’s prescription (83%), eliminating mandatory minimum sentences (71%), increased use of treatment programs and alternatives to jail for offenders with drug and alcohol issues (78%), and expanded job training for individuals who are currently incarcerated (88%).

“When issues receive more than 70% support from registered voters in Wisconsin, the Legislature needs to listen and act. Voters are sending a clear message that they are tired of the status quo and want to move Wisconsin in a new direction, away from over-incarceration that wastes spending and lives, towards a new 21st-century model of justice reform. I call on my legislative colleagues & leaders on both sides to exercise the will of the people and make these policy recommendations a reality. I look forward to the bills that we are working on to be brought forth for support in the future.”