REP. TRANEL SUPPORTS SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIM SERVICES PROGRAM

Madison – State Representative Travis Tranel (R-Cuba City) said Thursday he supports fully-funding the state’s Sexual Assault Victim Services program.
 
“Today, I have signed on to a letter asking Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen to find a way to adequately fund the state’s Sexual Assault Victim Services program.  The state is facing very tough financial challenges, but I believe that we can overcome these challenges without compromising the most vulnerable citizens in our communities,” said Tranel.
 
Recently, the state Department of Justice notified local agencies across Wisconsin that the Sexual Assault Victim Services (SAVS) program will be cut by an average of 42.5 percent in 2012.
 
Representative Tranel believes Attorney General Van Hollen should work to exempt high priority items like SAVS from major cuts.
 
“I have encouraged the Attorney General to use the Department of Justice’s discretionary budget to offset the cuts,” said Tranel.   “I think that it is important to support programs that help victims of sexual assault in our communities.”   
 
SAVS currently serves as the only statewide funding source for victims of direct sexual assault in Wisconsin.