CONTACT:
Rep. Amy Loudenbeck
[email protected]
(608) 266-9967
Madison – Today, Assembly Republicans announced a package of criminal justice investments they hope to work on with Governor Tony Evers during the biennial budget process.
In a series of press conferences across the state, Assembly Republicans stated their intention to advocate for inclusion of the following initiatives in the 2019-2020 budget:
Ensure adequate representation for prosecutors and public defenders so trials occur with minimal delay, as guaranteed by the constitution
Expand Treatment Alternatives and Diversion (TAD) programs for offenders who enter into drug/alcohol treatment or other risk reduction services as an alternative to jail or prison confinement
Invest in correctional officer retention to reduce overtime and increase safety and security at correctional facilities
Improve outcomes for individuals transitioning from protective custody to our communities by expanding worker training, re-entry programming, and pre-release health initiatives
Rep. Amy Loudenbeck (R-Clinton) is the Vice-Chair of the Joint Finance Committee, and will be leading the budget discussion in this area with fellow finance committee member Rep. Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam).
“Our goal is to ensure we have a criminal justice system that functions efficiently and effectively for everyone. These initiatives and investments complement each other in a way that ensures the proposed additional resources will lead to better outcomes. In the interest of justice, I hope Governor Evers can support our proposal,” said Loudenbeck.
Regina Dunkin, a Beloit resident and constituent of Rep. Loudenbeck’s serves on the Public Defender Board was pleased to hear about the Assembly Republican support of the State Public Defender’s request.
“As Vice-Chair of the Public Defender Board, I have had the opportunity to talk to Rep. Loudenbeck about the issues facing our agency, including, most significantly, the low rate paid to private attorneys taking public defender cases. This will help our clients by ensuring that they have the experienced, qualified representation that they are guaranteed by the constitution. Rep. Loudenbeck’s support for fixing the private bar rate issue as well as helping us retain our staff attorneys is so very much appreciated,” said Dunkin.
