Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen's Statement on Wisconsin Assembly Budget Package

During Tight Times, Assembly Recognizes Need For Public Safety

MADISON - The Wisconsin State Assembly voted tonight on its version of the state budget, which included funding for the Department of Justice (DOJ). Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen released the following statement applauding the Assembly's action:

"Tonight, the Assembly passed a state budget package that protects Wisconsin's taxpayers while recognizing public safety is a priority purpose of state government.

"It protects Wisconsin by fully funding my request for DNA analysts at the crime lab. Their work will help identify suspects and convict offenders so that they will not commit another murder, sexual assault, or other heinous crime, all while exonerating the innocent.

"It protects Wisconsin's children by increasing the Department of Justice's Internet Crimes Against Children program, so that we will be able to take more child sex predators off the Internet, off the streets, and away from our children.

"It protects Wisconsin's seniors by adding DOJ investigators who investigate Medicaid fraud and elder abuse.

"It protects sexual assault victims by ensuring that they will not have to bear the cost of sexual assault forensic examinations.

"And it protects families from government excess, by holding the line on taxes and streamlining many state justice functions into a single place where these functions belong: the Department of Justice.

"I am pleased that both houses of the legislature recognize the need for these important, non-partisan law enforcement initiatives. As the budget process continues to move forward, I will work with the Legislature and the Governor to ensure that public safety and law enforcement is a budget priority."