Green Bay Correctional Institution (Fox 11 Online)
(WTAQ-WLUK) — Democratic Governor Tony Evers’ proposed prison reform plan, which would close Green Bay Correctional Institution, could be at risk of not moving forward.
The Governor’s full Capital Budget proposal, which called for investments of more than $4 billion, did not receive a recommendation from the State Building Commission on Tuesday, after a 4-4 vote.
In a statement, Evers was critical of the vote, saying:
We have key infrastructure projects across our state that need repairs and investments, but Republican lawmakers continue to kick the can down the road, which only makes these projects more expensive with each day of delay while our buildings and infrastructure continue to deteriorate.
The Capital Budget proposal includes the Governor’s $325 million Corrections overhaul plan, which would close Green Bay Correctional Institution.
This doesn’t mean that plan is dead. The Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance will soon be discussing each item in Evers’ proposal.
“Everybody wants to close GBCI, but, Republicans, I get the sense want to close Green Bay Correctional and replace it with a new prison to accommodate for those prisoners,” said State Sen. Eric Wimberger, R-Oconto, who sits on the Joint Committee on Finance.
Replacing GBCI with a new prison is something Governor Evers, and Democratic State Senator Jamie Wall don’t view as the best path forward, arguing it would take more money and more time to complete.
“Are there multiple ways that we could deal with the problems we have with the prison system? Sure, but some are faster and cheaper than others,” said Wall.
Wimberger says Joint Finance will discuss all items within Evers’ budget proposal in the coming weeks, after lawmakers hold listening sessions with Wisconsinites.
“We’ve got to make some tough decisions, but in my opinion I think what we do with the Dept. of Corrections and inmate management is probably on the forefront,” said Wimberger.
Efforts to close the more than 125-year-old facility have long been discussed by both lawmakers and community members.
Despite the Building Commission’s vote, Allouez Village President Jim Rafter is hopeful there’s a path forward.
“I want to hear Joint Finance come out and recommend closure of GBCI and to allocate funds in the budget to start that process,” said Rafter. “That’s what I’m hoping for and I hope the Governor says yes to it.”
The Governor’s Capital Budget request also includes spending roughly $1.6 billion for improvements to UW system infrastructure.
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