Contents

Reducing Homelessness

This week, my colleagues and I introduced new initiatives on two important topics: homelessness and criminal justice reform. Read more below!  

Homelessness Prevention and Reduction

 

On Thursday, I was joined in Wausau by my Assembly colleague to talk about an issue that is close to my heart: homelessness. As a members of United Way's Housing and Homelessness Committee, I understand how large of an issue homelessness is for our state. It doesn't just impact Madison and Milwaukee; it is a statewide problem. 

Last session, Assembly Republicans created a legislative package that aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness. That initiative was a great start to curbing homeless in Wisconsin, but there is still more to do. One bill in that package created the Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH), in order to foster better cooperation between the agencies that all provide some services to those experiencing homelessness. Late last year, the ICH released a Statewide Action Plan, called A Hand and A Home, which acknowledged that completely eradicating homelessness is an unlikely goal. Instead the Statewide Action Plan that was released aimed to ensure that homelessness in Wisconsin is "rare, brief, and non-recurring". Many of the proposals that we are introducing came from the ICH's recommendations. The package that was introduced on Thursday includes eight bills which provide more funding for homeless prevention and other services. You can view my full statement on the legislation here

Criminal Justice Reform

Another exciting initiative that was released this week pertains to Criminal Justice Reform. Central Wisconsin Legislators met at the Marathon County Courthouse to publicly discuss our budget priorities relating to criminal justice reform. These priorities included increasing the pay progression for Assistant District Attorneys and State Public Defenders; increasing Assistant District Attorney positions statewide; increasing SPD private bar rate; increasing funding for the court appointment rate; additional funding for OARS and Treatment and Diversion Programs; supporting policies for reentry programs and reentry health initiatives; and supporting initiatives to attract and retain correctional employees.

This plan truly helps on both the front and back end of the criminal justice system. It isn't about being softer on crime, but about creating better outcomes for victims and their families, offenders, and therefore our entire community. It is about making our criminal justice system more efficient and effective. I was proud to stand alongside my colleagues, local District Attorney's, law enforcement and others involved in the criminal justice system to advocate for these important reforms. 

Constituent Spotlight

In Madison this week, I had the opportunity to meet with several students from Northcentral Technical College about the great programs that NTC provides! They were all from student government and they visited Madison to advocate for the tech college system as a whole. It was great to hear from them! 

2017-2018 Blue Books & maps (paper highway maps or laminated maps) are still available in my office! The Wisconsin Blue Book contains information on all things Wisconsin: your elected officials; census information; the official state dog, tree, flower, etc.; government processes; and so much more! Contact me for your free copy today!