State Senator To Challenge Incoming Gov. On Nonviolent Offenders

RACINE COUNTY, WI -- Fresh from voting for a number of lame-duck bills to limit the powers of incoming Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, Wisconsin State Sen. Van Wanggaard (R-Racine) has a message for the incoming governor.

Wanggaard, who was been named as the Chairman of the State Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety for the 2019-20 legislative session, said he's looking forward to tackling a number of tough issues in the coming session.

“I am interested to hear Governor-Elect Evers’ plans for reform,” added Wanggaard. “But I would also caution him that anything undermining public safety, or releasing so-called “nonviolent” offenders will be met with a skeptical eye. As legislators our number one job must be to keep our communities safe. I am remain committed to this goal.”

This marks the third consecutive session that Wanggaard has chaired the committee.

Wanggaard said there has been a diversity of important issues flowing through Judiciary and Public Safety committee. In years past, human trafficking, domestic abuse, drunk driving, and Second-Amendment bills have been heard before the committee. Last session, the committee played a role in the reform of Wisconsin’s juvenile corrections system among other issues, he said.

The next legislative session begins on January 7, 2019.

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