Republicans want to get rid of the state’s early release program which was approved as part of then Governor Doyle’s 2009 two-year-budget.
Author of the repeal, Scott Suder (R-Abbotsford) says early release “has placed hundreds of dangerous criminals back into our communities.” He adds this is done without the consent of judges, prosecutors and law enforcement.
Doyle claimed only low risk criminals would be involved with early release and the program would save money.
The Senate’s sponsor of the bill disagrees. Sen. Van Wanggaard (R-Racine) describes early release as a “cost shift” in which local communities pick up the tab in dealing with dangerous criminals who get out early.
Suder claims as of late April, 545 inmates have been released under the program.
Today’s news conference preceded a joint legislative public hearing of the bill.
