Madison – In one of the first floor periods of the 2023-2024 legislative session, Representative Barbara Dittrich (R – Oconomowoc) voted to advance SJR 2 and SJR 4 to the people of Wisconsin for a vote on this April’s ballot. Both of these resolutions were passed by the State Senate earlier in the week. These constitutional amendments would restore power to the residents of Wisconsin in two separate ways.
Senate Joint Resolution 2 would place a constitutional amendment on the spring ballot asking the people of Wisconsin if they believe that criminal history should be allowed to be considered when bail decisions are made by the courts. Authored by Senator Van Wanggaard (R-Racine) and Representative Cindi Duchow (R-Delafield), this amendment is supported by law enforcement and prosecutors throughout the state and would support judges’ ability to protect Wisconsinites as they set bail.
“While it is sad that it took the horror of the Waukesha Christmas parade murders to once again bring this amendment to the fore, this has been a longstanding issue for judges in our state. I hope that it will keep more dangerous individuals from committing further offenses while out on bail,” stated Rep. Dittrich.
Senate Joint Resolution 4 called for an advisory referendum on the spring ballot that would implement a requirement for able-bodied, childless adults to look for work in order to receive taxpayer-funded welfare benefits.
Rep. Dittrich commented, “Wisconsin has regressed over the last four years from the solid policies first established by Gov. Tommy Thompson. Our employers desperately need these individuals back in the workforce, and I believe most taxpayers think they should at the very least be seeking employment while they are collecting government benefits if they are single and able-bodied.”
These two key pieces of legislation ensure that the people of Wisconsin can have a direct voice in their own safety. Additionally, they can have a say in how to best revive our economy and ensure a thriving workforce in response to a worker shortage.
