Statement on Delayed Action at Lincoln Hills
"The Governor and Legislative Republicans have had three budgets to address the Lincoln Hills crisis and their inaction has only made problems worse."
MADISON, WI – Years after reports of abuse and neglect at Lincoln Hills were brought to Governor Walker’s attention, the state’s juvenile corrections facility continues to endanger the lives of youth and staff. Amid calls for urgent action, Gov. Walker recently announced that he would consider taking action before the end of the legislative session.
“The Governor and Legislative Republicans have had three budgets to address the Lincoln Hills crisis and their inaction has only made problems worse,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling. “While Democrats have offered this solution and others since 2011, we have been ignored as the facility has grown more dangerous. Governor Walker has turned a blind eye as serious problems have led too crumbling roads, struggling schools, and the degradation of our land and water. Lives are at stake and Gov. Walker’s political ambitions are his only concern.”
Despite warning signs dating back to 2012, local officials continue to describe the conditions at Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake as “inhumane.” Democrats have introduced a series of correction reform proposals to improve safety at these state facilities. The bills aim to improve worker training, limit the use of forced overtime, expand workplace safety rights, strengthen reporting requirements and ensure appropriate staffing levels for first responders.
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.
More about the Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake Facilities
- ‘First of its Kind in Wisconsin’ Collaboration Will Support Disabled Incarcerated Youth - Andrew Kennard - Dec 12th, 2024
- MKE County: Tight Budget Forces Difficult Vote on Housing, Juvenile Justice - Graham Kilmer - Nov 1st, 2024
- Letters from Evers, Republicans Show Clash on Juvenile Corrections - Andrew Kennard - Aug 17th, 2024
- Following Counselor Death, Staff, Family Plead for Help At Lincoln Hills - Andrew Kennard - Aug 16th, 2024
- Lawmakers Grill Wisconsin Prison Officials Over Safety, Employee Death at Youth Facility - Sarah Lehr - Aug 7th, 2024
- Future of Lincoln Hills Remains In Limbo - Isiah Holmes - Apr 12th, 2024
- MKE County: County Youth In State Prisons Declining Again - Graham Kilmer - Jan 15th, 2024
- Legislative Committee Okays $6 Million for 2nd Juvenile Facility - Devin Blake - Oct 1st, 2023
- Some Progress, Still Problems at Lincoln Hills - Isiah Holmes - Jul 9th, 2023
- Plats and Parcels: Republicans Approve Gov. Evers’ Allocation of $32.6 Million More To Build Milwaukee Youth Prison - Jeramey Jannene - Jun 4th, 2023
Read more about Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake Facilities here
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