Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen Commends Joint Audit Committee for Directing Audit of Crime Victim and Witness Assistance Surcharge

Attorney General Van Hollen says analysis is needed to determine a long-term solution to funding grants for essential victim services.

MADISON — Earlier today, in response to a request from Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen and Joint Committee on Finance Co-Chair Robin Vos, the Legislature's Joint Audit Committee directed an audit of the Crime Victim and Witness Assistance Surcharge.

“I am pleased the Committee has voted unanimously to direct the undertaking of an audit. I look forward to working with the Audit Bureau and the Committee to establish the reasons for the declining revenues that fund vital victim and witness assistance programs,” Attorney General Van Hollen said.

In his prepared testimony, Attorney General Van Hollen cited Wisconsin's Constitutional commitment to victims and expressed concern over both the decreasing revenue and its inexplicable fall.

“I appreciate the Committee's willingness to prioritize this audit and the State Auditor's support for the effort. It is my hope that the result of the audit will reveal the root cause of the decline so reliable solutions can be considered as we prepare to construct the next state budget,” Attorney General Van Hollen concluded.