[Madison, Wisconsin]: Directly impacted individuals, families of incarcerated loved ones, faith leaders, and community advocates are coming together for a Day of Action on Saturday, August 23 from 11 AM- 12 PM outside the Governor’s Mansion, located at 99 Cambridge Road, Madison, WI 53704.
This powerful event will urge Governor Tony Evers, Department of Corrections Secretary Hoy, and state legislators to close the failing and dangerous prisons in Waupun, Green Bay, and Milwaukee, and instead invest in proven community-based solutions—such as treatment alternatives and diversion programs, and expanded mental health care. Resources saved must also be invested in health care, child care, and public education.
The conditions in Wisconsin’s aging and overcrowded prison facilities are inhumane and unsafe. From failing infrastructure to inadequate temperature control and lighting, these facilities endanger the lives of incarcerated individuals and staff alike, while failing to provide any meaningful path to rehabilitation. Our leaders’ ongoing inaction is a choice to prioritize punishment over people, fear over safety.
Despite campaign promises to reduce the prison population, Governor Evers has not followed through. Since taking office in 2019, he has not exercised his executive clemency powers to commute excessive sentences and has failed to mobilize state agencies with the authority to reduce incarceration rates. This lack of leadership has fueled an ongoing humanitarian crisis in Wisconsin’s prison system—one that stands in direct opposition to the values of compassion, redemption, and human dignity.
During the Day of Action, participants will hear from powerful speakers and witness visual displays of solidarity.
We invite all who believe in real safety and justice to stand with us.
For media inquiries or more information, please contact:
Mark Rice, WISDOM’s Transformational Justice Campaign Coordinator at
ricermark@gmail.com.
