Madison, WI – The release of Governor Evers’ 2023-2025 capital budget recommendations has sparked harsh criticism for its short-sighted spending and lack of long-term solutions—most notably with his refusal to address the closure of Green Bay Correctional Institution (GBCI).
Three years after receiving the results of a multi-year architectural and operational analysis of GBCI, Governor Evers continues to ignore the report’s recommendation for replacing the failing maximum security prison located in Allouez, Wisconsin.
“It’s incomprehensible that a governor would ignore a core responsibility of the state – providing safe, secure facilities for inmates under our care,” said Rep. Steffen. “Sadly, Governor Evers has put the wants of the UW football team ahead of the safety and security of the public, state employees, and prisoners.”
With a state budget surplus of over $7 billion, state building projects, including a replacement facility for GBCI, are ideally suited to be addressed this year. Even after the independent report conducted by BWBR gave GBCI a failing grade on all major operational and mechanical functions at GBCI, Governor Evers decided to put a $285 million upgrade to UW-Madison’s Camp Randall Stadium as a top priority for his two-year budget proposal.
“The coffers and the legislature are prepared to once-and-for-all solve this critical safety and structural problem in Allouez,” said Rep. Steffen. “Unfortunately, Evers chose to direct that money to a football field near his house. Pathetic.”
For more information please contact the office of Representative Steffen. He can be reached at (608) 237-9104 or by email at Rep.Steffen@legis.wisconsin.gov.
