PHOTO: Courtesy of WLUK
(WTAQ-WLUK) — Listening sessions around Wisconsin regarding the upcoming state budget have been underway before the Joint Committee on Finance weighs what could be included in that two-year spending plan.
A big focus is on Democratic Governor Tony Evers’ plan to close the Green Bay Correctional Institution.
Even state lawmakers outside of Northeast Wisconsin agree that the more than 125-year-old facility should close its doors.
“I think there’s support in, I think both caucuses to work towards the eventual goal of closing Green Bay,” said State Rep. Mark Born, R-Beaver Dam, at a budget listening session in Kaukauna on Tuesday, April 2.
Community leaders and advocates implored lawmakers to do just that during the Joint Committee on Finance’s first budget listening session held in Kaukauna.
“I’m asking you and imploring you to not take your foot off the gas. Get it over the finish line in the budget, find a way forward because things are only getting worse,” said Allouez Village President, Jim Rafter at the session.
“Leave the budget proposal alone,” said Steven Warner, President of JOSHUA. “Beginning the process to close GBCI is not only fiscally responsible, but more importantly, it’s the moral, ethical and just thing to do.”
Included in his budget proposal, Governor Tony Evers has a justice reform plan worth more than $500 million which includes closing GBCI and updating other aging correctional facilities.
After Joint Finance wraps up their budget listening sessions across the state, they will spend time crafting their own budget.
Finding a solution to close Green Bay Correctional along with prison reform looks to be top of mind for committee members, while opinions on how to do so remain split.
“Every which way you look at this, and we heard several hours of testimony from Secretary Jared Hoy, the Secretary of Corrections, that the fastest, the cheapest and the safest way is the plan that’s in the executive budget,” said State Sen. Kelda Roys, D-Madison.
“Like with any plan, there are some good things in it, one part of that is closing Green Bay Correctional. There are some things that need to be worked on, so we’re working through our normal process,” said State Rep. Born.
Amid safety and overcrowding concerns, there were 1,088 people housed at GBCI as of February 28th, the most up-to-date tally from the Department of Corrections.
GBCI’s operating capacity is 749.
The Governor’s Corrections reform plan looks to close GBCI by 2029.
His proposal also includes expanding the earned release program for those imprisoned with lesser offenses.
“Making us not just more efficient, but really reinvesting in what the goal is which is keeping all of our communities safe,” said State Sen. Roys.
Like everything else on the table to be included in the budget, there’s a lot to be ironed out by lawmakers in Madison.
Two more budget listening sessions are planned this month in Hayward and Wausau.
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