WEST BEND, Wis. — Washington County District Attorney Barry Braatz was appointed to the Wisconsin Legislative Council Study Committee on the District Attorney Funding Formula, a bipartisan committee charged with examining how Wisconsin funds district attorney offices and recommending reforms to better meet the growing demands facing prosecutors across the state.

Braatz is one of only nine public members of the committee representing law enforcement and the criminal justice system appointed to work alongside state legislators. The committee is expected to begin its work later this summer.

The appointment comes as Washington County continues to experience significantly higher prosecution activity under Braatz’s leadership. Since taking office in 2025, the District Attorney’s Office has increased criminal case filings by an average of 30 percent compared to the previous three years.

In 2025, the office filed:

  • 732 felony cases compared to 588 in 2024
  • 1,689 misdemeanor cases compared to 1,364 in 2024
  • 2,421 total criminal cases compared to 1,952 in 2024

Even through the first half of 2026, the office has already filed 1,063 criminal cases, putting it on pace for more than 2,100 cases by year’s end.

“This appointment recognizes Barry’s commitment to protecting our communities and his firsthand understanding of the challenges district attorneys face across Wisconsin,” said Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann. “As prosecutors are asked to do more with limited state resources, Barry brings practical experience and a strong record of holding criminals accountable while advocating for the resources necessary to keep our communities safe.”

The appointment also comes as Washington County recently approved Anti-Crime Plan C.  The plan includes funding for a dedicated narcotics prosecutor within the District Attorney’s Office. The position is funded locally through opioid settlement dollars.

Braatz said he looks forward to contributing to the committee’s work.

“It is an honor to be selected to serve on this important committee,” Braatz said. “Every county in Wisconsin deserves a funding formula that reflects today’s realities. Prosecutors are handling increasingly complex cases involving narcotics trafficking, internet crimes, crimes against children, fraud, and violent offenses. I look forward to working with legislators and my colleagues across the state to identify practical recommendations that strengthen public safety while ensuring district attorney offices have the resources necessary to serve crime victims and protect our communities.”