Contact:
Rep. David Crowley
608.266.5580
920.915.0479
Rep. David Crowley (D-Milwaukee) made the following statement regarding Governor Evers’ first budget address:
“Governor Evers’ budget proposal is truly making good on his promise of a new way forward for Wisconsin. It’s been a long time since I have heard a budget address that actually responded to the priorities that matter to the people of Wisconsin.
“First, I applaud Governor Evers’ and his dedication to public education. A core principle in any Democratic society is public education and all of Wisconsin’s young people deserve an excellent education that sets them up on a path to success. Tonight, we witnessed a first step to addressing Wisconsin’s immoral racial and economic educational disparities.
“Equally important to insuring educational equity in Wisconsin, is ensuring improved police and community relations within our communities of color. Governor Tony Evers understands this and I applaud the $2 million that he is including in his first budget to help fix the broken relationship that exists between the police and communities of color throughout our state.
“Another issue that is not only personal to me but I have personally been working on is voter disenfranchisement. Governor Evers understands the detriment that this causes to democracy and automatic voter registration is a key solution to solving this ever growing issue here in Wisconsin. Enfranchisement has always been a precarious right for Black people not only in Wisconsin but throughout the United States. Automatic voter registration will ensure that all Wisconsin voices are heard will help enshrine that the right to vote is extended to all American’s, no matter race, creed, or color.
“Finally, I am particularly supportive of the Governor’s plan to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana. For far too long, people of color in Wisconsin have been disproportionately affected by senseless punishments for low-level drug crimes. Decriminalization is an important step to ensure that no longer are our young black men and women locked up for crimes that serve no purpose in protecting the public.
“It is a new day in Wisconsin. I am excited to begin the hard work of passing the Governor’s budget, and look forward to working with him in the months to come.”
