MADISON – Today, the Wisconsin State Assembly voted to pass Assembly Bill 55, GOP-introduced legislation to increase reckless driving penalties ten-fold statewide. Assembly Bill 55 passed the Wisconsin State Assembly 85 – 12.

State Representative Supreme Moore Omokunde spoke on the Assembly Floor about Assembly Bill 55 and a more holistic approach to combatting reckless driving:

“Back in January, during the State of the State address, Governor Evers declared 2023 as the Year of Mental Health in Wisconsin…and yet today is all about the GOP’s Year of Crime and Punishment. Assembly Bill 55 is one of these hard on crime bills: it seeks to increase reckless driving penalties eight to ten fold across the state. And I think it goes without saying that those penalties will fall hardest on disadvantaged communities across Wisconsin.

“This isn’t to say we don’t have a reckless driving problem here in Wisconsin: We do. It’s to acknowledge that Wisconsin has a chance to be at the forefront of addressing this problem equitably and effectively. I’ve worked on the reckless driving issue over the last several years with the Sherman Park Community Association in Milwaukee – their holistic approach to reckless driving utilizes the 5 E’s: Engagement, Education, Equity, Engineering and Enforcement. This approach has informed the City of Milwaukee’s Vision Zero campaign as well: to ultimately reduce the number of roadway deaths and severe injuries in Milwaukee to ZERO. AB55 only address 1 of the 5 E’s: Enforcement.

“Thus, I applaud Representative Donovan for wanting to combat this issue, which is indeed a current problem in need of a solution. I just sincerely hope that he and other folks that support AB55 will join the other efforts I mentioned today to ensure that we are putting in the work to combat reckless driving once and for all.”

Representative Moore Omokunde represents the 17th Assembly District on the North and Northwest sides of Milwaukee.

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