Kenosha-Senator Bob Wirch (D-Somers) released the following statement on Governor Evers’ investment in safer communities and the hypocritical response by state Republicans:
“I applaud Governor Evers for his commitment to the safety of our communities. This latest investment shows that the Governor is dedicated to keeping our families safe. Sadly, I’m not surprised by the cynical, disingenuous response from my Republican colleagues. They talk a big game when it comes to law and order and public safety, but they have cut shared revenue to our communities – money used for police, fire, and other public safety measures – year after year. Instead of recognizing the impact this money will have on community safety, Republicans would rather try to score political points in an election year.”
On Wednesday, Governor Tony Evers announced a more than $50 million investment in public and community safety. The package will fund evidence-based initiatives meant to keep Wisconsin safe, add to mental health supports and diversions, and eliminate a pandemic-related backlog of cases in the state court system, among other programs. Combined with a separate, $45 million investment announced last October and several others, this brings the Governor’s overall funding for violence prevention and public safety to more than $100 million.
