Madison, WI — Senator Eric Wimberger (R-Green Bay) issued the following statement after the Joint Finance Committee approved significant new investments for Wisconsin’s criminal justice system:
“Today’s investment represents a significant step towards addressing the court backlog and restoring public confidence in our criminal justice system. This substantial investment in our courts, prosecutors, and public defenders recognizes the critical role they play in upholding public safety, guaranteeing that courts in Wisconsin is administer justice promptly and impartially.”
The funding, adopted by the committee on a 16-0 vote, includes significant new funds for the justice system, including pay raises aimed at attracting and retaining prosecutors and public defenders, an enhanced reimbursement for attorneys handling court-appointed cases, and additional funds dedicated to addressing case backlogs, strengthening cybersecurity, and establishing supplementary circuit court branches.
