Reps. Franklin and Steffen Respond with Disappointment to Gov. Evers’ Veto of GBCI Decommission Date
For Immediate Release July 3, 2025
Contact: Representative Benjamin Franklin 608-237-9188
Reps. Franklin and Steffen Respond with Disappointment to Gov. Evers’ Veto of GBCI Decommission Date
MADISON – Representative Benjamin Franklin (R-De Pere) and Representative David Steffen (R-Howard) released the following statements regarding the uncertainties of GBCI:
“I find this incredibly disappointing. After months of hard work by the legislature, Gov. Evers chose to line-item veto the decommissioning date of 2029 for GBCI,” said Rep. Franklin. “This closure date was placed into this budget specifically to hold the state accountable and would’ve allowed us to move the needle on GBCI’s closure. GBCI is structurally unsafe and older than Alcatraz. The Governor’s action halts our momentum and continues to put workers, inmates, and the general public at risk. I am committed to fighting for this transformational project as this is a need that will not only benefit Northeast Wisconsin, but the entire state correctional system as a whole.”
"Only in government would four and a half years be too short of a deadline to finalize the closure of a crumbling building,” said Rep.Steffen. “Sadly, Governor Evers caved to the bureaucrats who constantly find ways to take twice as long and spend twice as much to achieve our state's goals. While another opportunity and deadline has come and gone, I will not rest until that facility is closed."