Congress Approves April 4th Ballot Questions

Madison, Wisconsin — After members of the Wisconsin Legislature greenlit the bill on Thursday, voters will see two questions on their ballots when they head to the ballot on April 4.

The topic of bail reform has become popular among lawmakers, especially in the wake of the Waukesha Christmas parade tragedy.

A Republican-crafted proposal that would allow judges to consider more factors when setting bail for criminal defendants is the final hurdle to two consecutive legislative sessions on Thursday, as required by state law. cleared.

On the first day of floor sessions for lawmakers in Congress, Republicans called on Democrats in favor of eliminating cash bail entirely.

“Tony Evers was your buddy in the last election. He’s your candidate,” said R-Harrison Rep. Ron Tassler. “Last election cycle when he said ‘jump,’ you jumped, and the first chance you got, you’re out of his leadership.”

The controversy arose when a resolution to reform the bail system was awaiting rubber stamp approval.

Milwaukee Democrat Rep. Evan Goyk looks through a memo while lawmakers debate reforming the bail system. (Spectrum News 1/Mandy Hague)

“Their release or imprisonment should be based on danger and escape risk, not on whether they can conceive. [the] Money,” argued Milwaukee Democratic Rep. Evan Goyk.

But Democrats and Republicans weren’t exactly at odds Thursday. along with being able to take into account factors such as past violent crimes.

Judges are now restricted to setting amounts only to ensure that the defendant returns to court.

“You are opening the door to creating a two-tier system,” said Rep. Dora Drake of the Milwaukee Democratic Party. She said, “It’s focused on the poor and those with the means.”

Republicans said money is a motivator when it comes to bail. Still, Democrats argued that terms like “violent” and “harm” are not well defined in state law.

Delafield’s R-Town Rep. Cindi Duchow, co-author of the resolution putting the Bail Reform Amendment on the ballot, listened to the debate on the floor. (Spectrum News 1/Mandy Hague)

At a press conference before the parliamentary session on Thursday morning, the resolution’s co-authors told reporters that these changes are underway.

“Violent crime is defined in three places in the law, so we’ve actually used that,” explained Cindy Ostrich MP, R-Town, Delafield. “Including child sexual abuse, human trafficking, rape, stalking, and everything else you would normally think of. [a] Violent crime. ”

Second question for voters

As for the second question on the April ballot, voters will also hold an advisory referendum asking for views on job-seeking requirements for childless and able-bodied adults seeking public assistance.

“This is a good way we can give the people of Wisconsin a chance to see it,” Republican House Speaker Robin Voss told reporters. “We know that the federal government does not allow Medicaid exemptions, so people with BadgerCare do not need to look for work.”

Republicans sought a non-binding bill on the ballot and passed the resolution, while Democrats hoped to ask voters to repeal the state’s abortion ban from 1849.

Democratic Minority Leader Greta Neubauer said, “I would like to take an idea put forward by Senator Ron Johnson and ask the public the question of whether Wisconsin’s 1849 criminal abortion ban should be repealed. I would suggest,” he said. During Thursday’s floor speech.