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$500 Million Prison Overhaul
There’s plenty of support at the Wisconsin Capitol for closing the prison in Green Bay. But that doesn’t mean it’s going to happen.
Gov. Tony Evers on Friday announced a sweeping prison overhaul that would close the 127-year-old prison there, renovate the prison in Waupun, close Wisconsin’s two youth prisons, and likely let more people out of prison.
“My dad worked at GBCI for 34 years. My first priority will be to make sure that the people who work there now have the support they need as they transition to new jobs at the Department of Corrections or elsewhere," Sen. Jamie Wall, D-Green Bay, said Monday.
The governor is planning to include $500 million in his to-be introduced state budget for the changes. About half of which would go toward renovations in Waupun.
“For nearly a decade, local and state officials have been advocating for prison updates and the closure of GBCI, I am glad to see Governor Evers acknowledge the need to get this done," Rep Benjamin Franklin, R-De Pere added. "I look forward to reviewing the Governors’ plan on corrections reform."
Madison state Rep. Shelia Stubbs, D-Madison, also applauded the governor’s focus on "reform."
"I support Governor Evers’ plan to make historic investments in our corrections system that will make facilities safer for Persons in Our Care and staff, as well as reduce recidivism and costs to taxpayers," Stubbs said in a statement.
But not every lawmaker is as all-in on Gov. Evers’ proposal.
“The devil is in the details. I’m not sure his numbers add up, both in terms of costs and numbers of inmates. If he thinks the Legislature will rubber stamp his ideas and let a bunch of felons out of prison, he hasn’t learned anything,” Sen. Van Wanggaard, R-Racine said.
Ever is due to deliver his budget, with the prison proposal included, Tuesday night.
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