Joint Finance Committee strikes down Department of Corrections overhaul

Wisconsin Republicans largely rejected Gov. Tony Evers’ proposed overhaul of the Department of Corrections in the upcoming state budget. In February, Evers proposed closing Green Bay Correctional Institution, converting Lincoln Hills & Copper Lake schools into an adult prison and transforming Waupun Correctional Institution into a vocational training facility. However, on Tuesday, Republicans on the Joint Finance Committee argued the plan focused too much on policy rather than fiscal allocations. They approved budget language that allocates an additional $136 million to the Department of Corrections over the next two years. While the Joint Finance Committee was originally scheduled to also take up funding for the Universities of Wisconsin System during its meeting Tuesday, that was later pulled from the agenda. The legislature faces a June 30 deadline to pass the next state budget. If they miss that deadline, funding will continue at current levels.