Madison – Following the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Governor Tony Evers called for a special session on justice reform and policing accountability. Today, Representative Dave Considine (D-Baraboo) released the following statement:
“While we are all still waiting for more details on what occurred on Sunday, we do know that a police officer shot Jacob Blake seven times in the back. Too often, excessive use of force and a lack of de-escalation transpire when officers engage with Black Wisconsinites. I am encouraged that the Wisconsin Department of Justice is investigating this officer involved shooting.
“Reports thankfully indicate that Jacob Blake is recovering, but people are still demanding action. Unfortunately, so much of the action my colleagues and I took in the 2019-2020 Legislative Session was ignored by legislative leadership. Early this year, I cosponsored legislation aimed at reforming use of force by law enforcement. Regrettably, these proposals were not debated or passed before the Assembly adjourned this spring. In June, the Legislative Black Caucus outlined the need to convene and discuss legislation aimed at reforming the justice system. I stood with the Black Caucus and sent a letter supporting their call to action.
“This moment demands urgent action by the legislature to address the inequities that exist across our state. 45 states have recently enacted some measure of criminal justice reform and police reform policies. It is time Wisconsin joined this nationwide, bipartisan effort. I am ready to do this work, and am glad that Governor Evers has called a special session on justice reform and policing accountability. In calling this special session, Governor Evers has given the Legislature a perfect opportunity to debate the merits of equity and accountability reform bills. At the very least, all of my colleagues should be able to agree that having an intellectual debate about bills is our job, and we should do it.
