MADISON – Rep. Tip McGuire issued the following statement on Gov. Evers’ support for justice reform legislation:
“The recent deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor have shocked the conscience of our nation and sparked peaceful protests around the world. I am thankful for the leadership of the Legislative Black Caucus for calling for action to reform our justice system, and to Gov. Evers for his support for legislation to invest in community programs providing violence interruption and address systemic racism in criminal justice.
“Too often, the Republican majority in the Legislature has ignored Gov. Evers’ calls for special sessions, gaveling in and out in seconds, without debate or a vote. That is not an acceptable outcome for these critical reforms. It could not be more clear that Wisconsinites want action from the Legislature, and we owe it to our constituents to have a vote on these bills, either in an extraordinary session of the Legislature, or in a special session called by Governor Evers.
“If this body had time this session to consider the so-called ‘Tougher on Crime’ package of bills that would have taken our justice system backwards, then we certainly have the time to consider reforms for a more equitable system that values black lives.”