Senator Craig Authors Bill Creating a Committee to Investigate Former GAB

Madison, WI — Today, State Senator David Craig (R-Town of Vernon) circulated a bill to create a bicameral legislative committee to investigate the John Doe scandal at the former Government Accountability Board (GAB). With the release of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) “Report of the Attorney General Concerning Violations of the John Doe Secrecy Orders”, it was evident the limited scope of the DOJ investigation warranted a more in-depth review of GAB actions by the legislature.

“The clear abuses found by the Attorney General demonstrated ‘the weaponization of GAB by partisans in furtherance of political goals’ and showed the gross abuse in collecting the private personal information of innocent Wisconsinites. This information demands a legislative inquiry to uncover the extent of the actions of participants in the illegal John Doe probe,” said Senator Craig.

This bill will allow the legislature to exercise its subpoena authority to conduct an oversight investigation into the actions of the former GAB and those involved in the John Doe probe.

“This committee investigation is the only way that we can bring some level of closure to the John Doe scandal, to make sure people in Wisconsin understand what happened, to make sure the legislature understands what happened, and to make sure it never happens again,” said Senator Craig. “When government abuses the constitutional rights of free citizens, there must be consequences.”

Under the bill, the committee is charged with fact-finding within very strict parameters and privacy protocols to protect the information of the victims of the John Doe investigations and prevent further victimization at the hands of the government.

Senator Craig represents the 28^th Senate District which includes parts of Waukesha, Milwaukee, Racine, and Walworth counties.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

Recent Press Releases by State Sen. David Craig

Statement on Extension of “Shelter-in-place” to May 26th

Apr 16th, 2020 by State Sen. David Craig

Sen. Craig: “Evers and Palm have gone too far! The Senate must reject Palm now!”

Senator Craig Statement on Governor Evers’ Shelter-in-place Order

Mar 23rd, 2020 by State Sen. David Craig

Madison, WI — Today, State Senator David Craig (R-Town of Vernon) released the following statement relating to Governor Tony Evers’ Shelter-in-Place Order: “A decision of such magnitude like a ‘shelter-in-place’ order, regardless of what the government calls it, should only be established through the surety and specificity of an act of the legislature because of its extreme effects on Wisconsin families and businesses. Such action could stem the tide of confusion and anxiety being experienced by employers and employees all across the state. “Further, Governor Evers needs to articulate the specific information he received which caused contradiction between his Friday statement ‘I believe that we’ll be able to avoid [a shelter-in-place order]’ and today’s statement that he will make such an order effective tomorrow. “Additionally, last week I requested the Governor and Attorney General provide details as to how the government’s actions abide by the constitutional strict scrutiny that is required. Their continued silence on these issues is unacceptable given the precipitously negative impacts on civil rights and the economy. “Because of the Governor’s extreme step, I believe the legislature should consider the following protections for Wisconsin citizens: Require legislative approval of any statewide “shelter-in-place” order for reasons of pandemic or infectious disease Require legislative passive review of any “Emergency Declaration” after 30 days, with affirmative approval needed for a state of emergency lasting longer than 60 days Require a written report detailing the satisfaction of strict scrutiny concerns be given to the legislature prior to a ban of gatherings of 50 or fewer is to be in effect Require an immediate report to the legislature of arrests for mass gathering violations “The constitution was not designed to be disregarded in a time of crisis, in fact, it was specifically designed to be most valuable and applicable during times of crisis when liberties are most at risk.”

Sen. Craig Responds to Gov. Evers’ State of the State Address

Jan 22nd, 2020 by State Sen. David Craig

“Republican legislative majorities will continue to take a commonsense approach and govern responsibly by limiting government overreach while supporting a free-market economy, which is the very recipe that has led to one of the most prosperous decades in state history.”