Press Release Archive

“Our criminal justice system is experiencing case backlogs due to staffing levels, which hinder the swift delivery of justice and exacerbate issues related to public safety, property taxes, and our constitutional obligations. Today’s passage moves the state one step closer to building on our initial investments in the budget to alleviate local financial stress and ensure justice for victims and the accused,” said Rep. Steffen.

“As a parent, you expect that the formula or food you’re feeding your baby is safe and certainly 
if it’s not, parents deserve to know. Having an easily accessible way to scan products and find 
out if they contain dangerous levels of toxins like lead or arsenic empowers consumers to make 
the safest choices when purchasing these products,” said Rep. Steffen.

“Depression, anxiety, sleep deprivation, harassment, poor body image, these are just a few of the 
well documented side effects of social media on our kids. Right now, social media companies, 
advertisers and predators have unfettered access to our children and data shows this has come at 
great cost. It’s time to protect our kids online by enacting common-sense safety measures,” said 
Rep. Steffen.

The state has an obligation to address critical staffing needs in our criminal justice system. 
Delays in processing cases can lead to public safety concerns, jail overcrowding, and potential 
civil rights violations. Furthermore, expenses to county property taxpayers are rising to sustain 
the system. Our current biennial budget took initial steps to alleviate backlogs in our justice 
system, but this legislation is necessary to continue resolving the issue,” said Rep. Steffen.

“Today’s bill is another important piece of the puzzle in protecting our kids from the despicable 
criminals who sexually exploit children. The effects of sextortion are devastating, and tragically, 
this crime is happening to kids all across the country, including in our own community. Raising 
awareness through education is an important step in protecting our kids,” said Rep. Steffen.

“Wisconsin has now joined the vast majority of other states that have a pathway in place for candidates to 
remove their name from the ballot. The suspension of RFK Jr.’s campaign during the 2024 presidential 
election brought to light the absence of such a pathway in Wisconsin. This important Act recognizes realworld circumstances that impact a candidate’s campaign and ultimately will reduce unnecessary voter 
confusion. This is a win for Wisconsin voters,” said Rep. Steffen.

“The closure of GBCI has been a top priority of mine since taking office. Today, with the release of 
state funds to plan the future of Wisconsin’s prison system, we are one step closer to closing GBCI. This 
overcrowded facility with its crumbling infrastructure has resulted in inhumane conditions and years of
financial strain on Wisconsin taxpayers. I am encouraged by today’s action by the State Building 
Commission and will continue working with my colleagues in the legislature to close GBCI,” said Rep. 
Steffen.

“During the 2024 presidential campaign cycle, we saw firsthand the effects of a quirk in our state’s election 
law. Although RFK Jr. formally suspended his presidential campaign, he was unable to remove his name 
from Wisconsin’s ballot. Most states have a pathway in place for candidates to remove their name from the 
ballot—in an effort to reduce unnecessary voter confusion, Wisconsin should follow suit. I urge Governor 
Evers to sign this legislation into law,” said Rep. Steffen.

“It was truly my honor to recognize Deputy Chief Pecha for his commitment to our community. 
He has certainly earned the distinguished title of our First Responder of the Year. The service 
and sacrifice of first responders cannot be overstated, and Tuesday’s ceremony was an 
opportunity to recognize one of the very best in our community. I am incredibly grateful for 
Deputy Chief Pecha and all the men and women who work to keep our communities safe every 
day,” said Rep. Steffen

“Backlogs and delays have resulted in public safety concerns, jail overcrowding, potential civil 
rights violations, and ballooning costs to county property taxpayers. Our current biennial budget 
took initial steps to alleviate these backlogs in our criminal justice system, but this legislation is 
necessary to continue resolving this issue,” said Rep. Steffen