Sen. Craig Authors Bills in “Tougher on Crime” Initiative

Tougher on Crime

Madison, WI — State Senator David Craig (R-Town of Vernon) along with Senators Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield), Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) and Representative Joe Sanfelippo (R-New Berlin) launched the “Tougher on Crime” initiative to address the growing problem of violence, gun crimes, and property crimes in our communities:

“The goal of the ‘Tougher on Crime’ initiative is to make Wisconsin safer by ensuring that criminals are not emboldened by a justice system that is not taking violent crime seriously enough,” said Sen. Craig. “The initiative is aimed at violent, repeat offenders who continue to slip through the cracks in the justice system and go on to commit serious crimes.”

The “Tougher on Crime” initiative is a legislative effort to reform deficiencies in the current criminal justice system and get tougher on crime. Here are some highlights of the package:

Transparent Justice Act: Senate Bill 301 expands CCAP to enhance the public’s ability to see full court records from arrest to final disposition. It creates a database searchable by judge or DA.

Expansion of Serious Juvenile Offender Program: LRB-4469 expands the number of felonies under which violent juveniles can be adjudicated in this enhanced system.

Revocation of probation/parole for new crime: LRB-4458 requires the Department of Corrections to recommend revoking a person’s extended supervision, parole, or probation if the person is charged with a new crime while on supervision.

Limiting Early Release and Probation: LRB-5321 requires that persons who have committed certain violent crimes may not be discharged early from probation or early release.

Expansion of DOJ’s collection of crime data: LRB-4465 expands the information collected on crimes committed with a firearm or through the manufacture, distribution, or delivery of any controlled substance, and the theft of motor vehicles.

 “As elected officials we need to focus state resources on addressing the criminal, repeat offenders who violate our current laws and endanger our communities. The judges and DAs who do not take these laws seriously must also be held accountable,” said Sen Craig.

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.”