MADISON, Wis. – Attorney General Josh Kaul today announces Safer Wisconsin, a comprehensive legislative package to reduce crime and support stronger communities. For years, many communities have faced underinvestment in vital services, and the pandemic has led to increased isolation, interrupting and otherwise straining the services that are available. Amid these circumstances and the other challenges resulting from the pandemic, there has been a nationwide spike in shootings, homicides, and overdose deaths. AG Kaul is calling on the Wisconsin state legislature to take significant steps toward safer communities across Wisconsin by investing $115 million—a portion of the state’s surplus—in public safety and making new and previously introduced statutory changes. “We must take swift, concrete action to reduce crime and strengthen communities,” said Attorney General Kaul. “By fighting gun violence and other violent crime, bolstering our efforts to address the opioid epidemic, and investing in our communities rather than starving them of resources, we can make all of Wisconsin safer.” If enacted, Safer Wisconsin will strengthen community trust and prevent crime, help keep guns out of the hands of people who’ve been shown to be dangerous, address substance use disorder and mental health crises, and help hold offenders accountable.
A summary table of policies in Safer Wisconsin can be found here. In addition, due to federal maintenance of effort requirements included in the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), passage of this proposal would also result in an investment of $91,320,000 in new funding for education. Press release: https://www.doj. |
Press Releases Dept. of Justice: AG Kaul announces $115 million Safer Wisconsin legislative package