For Immediate Release:      January 18, 2017                                                      For more information,contact:

Jordan Krieger, 608-266-5810

Walker Renews Call to Gut Services

Reign of neglect continues, from juveniles to the disabled – no one is safe
(MADISON) – Today, Governor Scott Walker ordered a special session to address “welfare reform.” The announcement follows Governor Walker’s repeated actions to make it harder for vulnerable populations to access key services, including drug-testing Medicaid applicants.

“Governor Walker is pushing this mistaken narrative that if someone needs help, then there is something wrong with his or her character,” said Senator Lena Taylor (D – Milwaukee).  “This is about gutting services and punishing low-income children and families who made the mistake of being born into poverty.”

The announcement also comes after Walker failed to hold for a special session for Lincoln Hills. In the past weeks, the Governor pushed his executive duty to address Lincoln Hills to the legislature, ignoring the short time legislators have before the end of regular session. Senator Taylor has previously called for Walker to hold a special session for Lincoln Hills twice. Taylor also noted the Governor’s differential treatment between large corporations, like Foxconn, and juveniles and staff at Lincoln Hills.

“He called a special session for Foxconn. He did it for opioids. He refuses to do it when it comes to juveniles and his corrections staff. It just shows where his priorities are, and clearly – juveniles and his own staff are on the back burner.”

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