Rep. Brostoff Statement on Final Session Day of 2019

MILWAUKEE – State Representative Jonathan Brostoff (D-Milwaukee) released the following statement in response to Republicans adjourning the Assembly for the holidays without taking any substantive action on the threat of gun violence in our communities:

“I am not only disappointed with how yesterday’s Floor Session went, I am angry. I’m angry for the victims of gun violence in our state and their families, who have been treated with utter contempt by Republican politicians. I’m angry for the law enforcement officers and first responders who have to contend with the proliferation of guns on our streets, and the constant threat that someone who shouldn’t have a gun was able to buy one with impunity. I’m angry for the school kids who have to worry about the threat of school shooters when they should be worrying about getting their homework in on time,” Rep. Brostoff said.

“Last week, we were forced to watch as Republicans gaveled in and out of Governor Evers’ Special Session on Gun Violence within fifteen seconds, with absolutely no substantive debate on popular, life-saving measures. And then yesterday, Republicans literally dedicated a significant amount of legislative floor time to what we should call a tree? Seriously? Is this what the people of Wisconsin elected us to do?”

Yesterday, the Assembly debated Assembly Joint Resolution 106, which officially recognizes the evergreen tree in the Capitol Rotunda during the holiday season as the Wisconsin State Christmas Tree. The resolution, first circulated Monday afternoon, went from initial introduction to a vote on the Assembly floor within twenty four hours, all while more substantive bills have been denied hearings for months.

Rep. Brostoff concluded, “Yesterday’s Christmas Tree debacle yet again laid bare the corruption and cowardice of the modern Republican Party. Time and again, we’ve seen that Republicans apparently care more about scoring cheap political points than saving lives.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.