GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — As state representative Tyler August pounded his fist on his podium, the opportunity for discussion on police reform legislation came to a close… all in less than 30 seconds.
There were nine proposals on the table, announced by Governor Tony Evers and Lt. Governor Mandela Banes, but not a word between the two parties were exchanged during Monday’s special session.
Each side blames the other for making police violence and racial injustice partisan issues, and Monday’s events only added fuel to those flames.
Democrats, local leaders and members of the Legislature’s Black Caucus gathered outside the Capitol just before the session. What they had to say was nothing short of scathing.
“Every child that was killed, every gun that is on the street,” Madison non-profit leader Wanda Smith began. “The blood is on the hands of every one of you who said no to a bill to serve our communities.”
Now state Republicans are responding, and both sides are looking at next steps to solve police violence and racial injustice in Wisconsin.
State representative Dave Steffen (R-Green Bay) says the problem isn’t only the legislation.
“We need to take the time to go through the hearing process, get the input from the public, get people, get input from subject matter experts on this issue so that we can create the best public policy for the next 100 years,” he said.
Shortly before the session, Speaker Robin Vos announced a task force to fight the same issues.
A move state representative Amanda Stuck (D-Appleton) condemned.
“Unfortunately, task forces take a while to actually come up with a proposal and see some action come out of them,” said Stuck. “Today, (Monday), we had the opportunity to take action no and that is the downside to this task force.
But cries across the state call for immediate action.
Still, Steffen doesn’t see Monday’s decision to recess until Thursday, coming with consequences.
“Do you see any blow-back any consequences whether it comes from both sides trying to meet in the middle, or even your own constituents?” FOX 11 asked.
“I’m quite confident that my constituents want us to make some meaningful, positive steps forward to make sure we have quality policing in Wisconsin but what they don’t want is a political show and they don’t want more divisive action,” said Steffen.
That, while Stuck offered understanding for Democrats accusing Republicans of inaction at the state’s capitol.
“Especially those who are hearing from their constituents about their frustrations and their concerns and their experiences with the police,” Stuck said. “I understand that people are just very emotionally on both sides of this.”
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