Madison, WI – The Co-Chairs of the Joint Committee on Finance (JFC), Senator Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) and Representative Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam) issued the following statement related to actions taken during the Executive Session today, June 8, 2023:
“Today, we are taking meaningful steps to provide support for the Department of Corrections (DOC) to respond to population growth in our state’s prisons. We are also investing in programming that helps offenders return to society with employment skills, mental and physical healthcare and the tools they need to live in our communities.
“While we are completing our work on the DOC today, we are not taking action on pay increases for correctional officers and staff because this issue is discussed during the discussion on compensation reserves. Traditionally, compensation reserves are adopted on the last day of JFC action. We intend to address DOC compensation at that time.
“We are also investing in public safety throughout our state. Our actions support programs to improve school safety, prevent internet crimes against children and help our state’s forensic crime lab support law enforcement throughout our state.
“Finally, we are answering the call from business owners and employers all over Wisconsin and investing in the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) to improve their processing of professional licenses and building plan review. While the department has made some improvements, industries throughout the state have asked us to invest in the agency and compel the administration to meet expectations.
“The JFC continues our work to move the budget process along.”
