[Madison, WI] – State Representative Calvin Callahan (R-Tomahawk) released the following statement upon the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 520, authored by Rep. Callahan, which authorizes over $41 million in general fund supported borrowing to build a new Type 1 juvenile correctional facility in Milwaukee County, the first step in finally closing Lincoln Hills:
“When I was elected, I came down to Madison with the top priority of keeping my constituents and those who work in the 35th District safe. Over the course of the legislative session, I’ve met with those who work in the Lincoln Hills facility and heard horror stories about the working environment there. I’ve spoke with Department of Corrections staff and leadership about the situation there and introduced legislation to help protect our state’s corrections workers. Today, I am so proud to see SB 520 come to a vote in the Assembly and pass unanimously, as it did two days before in the State Senate.
“The closure of Lincoln Hills needs to happen and it needs to happen now. With the funding now authorized by the legislature, we have taken a huge step towards finally beginning this process. I hope to see the governor’s signature on SB 520 soon, and look forward to helping the 35th District move closer to closure however I can.”
