Madison, WI – Today, Representative David Steffen (R-Howard) voted in favor of numerous bills before the Assembly that will increase penalties for violent crimes and provide law enforcement with the tools they need to protect our communities.
“We know that instances of violent crime and a lack of accountability continue to be a problem in Wisconsin. Whether we’re talking about reckless driving, which killed 119 people in our state last year, or the rates of violent crime, murder and aggravated assault which are at their highest levels in over 35 years—this is a real problem. The package of bills the Assembly passed today appropriately raises penalties to deter these senseless acts,” said Rep. Steffen.
Reforms that were part of today’s legislation included doubling penalties for reckless driving and creating a mandatory minimum sentence for violent felons who are in possession of a firearm. In addition to strengthening penalties, law enforcement agencies were given the ability to hire individuals who are legally living in the US as DACA recipients. This greater flexibility will provide agencies with a wider pool of qualified candidates to serve as officers.
“Public safety is a fundamental responsibility of our government. I am proud to have supported each of today’s measures—all of which will work to make our communities safer,” said Rep. Steffen.
For more information please contact the office of Representative Steffen. He can be reached at (608)237-9104 or by email at Rep.Steffen@legis.wisconsin.gov.
