Republicans’ budget proposal to include millions in funding for Department of Corrections

MADISON, Wis (CIVIC MEDIA) – The Joint Finance Committee (JFC) finalized another piece of the Republicans’ state budget, integrating the Department of Corrections’ operating budget.

While there is an increase in funding, it’s a fraction of what was included in the Governor Tony Evers’ proposal.  The Republicans’ plan includes about $136 million in increases for the Department of Corrections statewide over the next two years. 

The proposal includes the funds necessary to hire 18 new employees across the department. 

Gov. Evers’ plan would’ve invested $500 million, with a sizeable portion of the funding going toward closing long-troubled facilities in the state, including Green Bay Correctional Institution, Lincoln Hills, and Copper Lake. Democratic representatives have summed up the GOP’s plan as “kicking the can down the road”. 

JFC Co-Chair Mark Born spoke on the importance of allocating the appropriate funds for the Department of Corrections.

“This, you know, very much carries on the current mission of an important and very expensive department. It’s nothing to be sad or upset about.” 

Republicans say they will address the capital budget, which may include projects like closing troubled institutions, at a later date.