Today, the Republican-created Special Committee on Oversight of the Department of Justice met for the first time. Announced by Senate Republicans just three days ago, the Special Committee is an unnecessary and wasteful exercise at a time when Wisconsinites are struggling with rising costs.

The two Democratic members of the Committee, Senator Jodi Habush Sinykin (D-Whitefish Bay) and Senator Melissa Ratcliff (D-Cottage Grove) released the following statement:

“No one in Wisconsin is asking for this Special Committee, as it will not do a single thing to help Wisconsinites and their families with today’s rising costs of groceries, housing, utilities, and skyrocketing health insurance premiums.

“Our Department of Justice already operates under existing checks and balances. Attorney General Josh Kaul and his administration have a strong record of fighting crime, protecting our environment, defending our rights, and enforcing our state’s laws. He has consistently fought for the best interests of Wisconsinites. This committee does nothing to make costs of living more affordable or the government more effective. Wisconsinites deserve a Legislature focused on results – not partisan distractions.

“Senate Democrats are focused on creating a Wisconsin that everyone can afford. The same cannot be said of Senate Republicans, who are fixated on nonsense like this special committee, instead of real issues top of mind for Wisconsinites. 

“This Special Committee is an unnecessary and wasteful partisan witch hunt and clearly demonstrates that Senate Republicans have zero understanding of the challenges that Wisconsinites are facing. Instead of delivering real solutions for working families, Senate Republicans are choosing political theater over people.”