Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen and Representative Robin Vos Call for Analysis to Determine Long-Term Solution to Funding Grants for Sexual Assault Victim Services

“Co-Chair Vos and I are requesting this analysis by the Joint Audit Committee to establish the reasons behind the falloff in program revenue that funds vital victim service programs, including SAVS,” Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen said.

MADISON — Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen and Assembly Joint Finance Committee Co-Chair Representative Robin Vos today asked the Legislature's Joint Audit Committee to undertake an in-depth analysis to determine the cause of the declining revenues being generated by the Victim and Witness Assistance Surcharge that funds SAVS services among other victim-related programs.

“Co-Chair Vos and I are requesting this analysis by the Joint Audit Committee to establish the reasons behind the falloff in program revenue that funds vital victim service programs, including SAVS. Even with recent fee increases in the surcharge, it is the drop in revenue that funds these programs that results in the largest funding reductions,” Attorney General Van Hollen said.

"We need to ensure the long-term sustainability for this important program and others that are funded with this surcharge," Rep. Vos (R-Rochester), co-chair of the Joint Finance Committee, said.
 

The Attorney General continued by saying, “I greatly appreciate the Representative's determination to understand the reduction in surcharge-related funding. This will establish a basis from which to examine the programs' funding levels and sources.

I commend Governor Walker for his decision yesterday to recommend relieving the SAVS program from a lapse. This will reduce the impact of these revenue shortfalls on crime victims,” the Attorney General concluded.

A copy of the letter from Attorney General Van Hollen and Representative Vos is available at the following link: