When politics take precedent over priorities, the people suffer

As policymakers, we should always aim to be enacting helpful, common-sense remedies to alleviate the issues that our constituents face on a day-to-day basis. Issues like reckless driving, for example.

However, when egos and politics take precedent over enacting these common-sense measures, we find ourselves in situations like the one we’re in now. Situations where our residents are in need of relief and we aren’t being afforded the tools to help.

Let me lay out the facts.

In September 2023, the Common Council unanimously passed a resolution that I sponsored to seek introduction and passage of state legislation expanding the circumstances under which vehicles used in reckless driving may be impounded. Earlier this year, in separate, bipartisan votes, the State Assembly and the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety advanced AB 078 / SB 65, which are related to this very topic. I’m grateful for Sen. Wanggaard and Rep. Donovan getting us that far.

This legislation is supported by the Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association, Badger State Sheriffs’ Association, the Milwaukee Police Association, Wisconsin Professional Police Association, and the Wisconsin Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs Association. We have a broad coalition of support, and had real momentum. Then it vanished.

The Senate has refused to schedule this bill for a vote despite bipartisan support every step of the way, and every day that this bill sits stalled is another day we fail our citizens. Reckless driving continues to be the number one threat to public safety in our city. This delay is not just reckless and unacceptable, it is dangerous because reckless driving will continue to affect Milwaukee and surrounding areas.

So whether you live in Milwaukee, a suburb, or 100 miles away, I encourage you to contact your State Senator to let them know you want them to adopt this measure that will improve quality of life for us all.

We need this now, and we shouldn’t have to wait any longer than we already have.

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.