AG Kaul visits Eau Claire, discusses funding for victim programs
'We're in the first year of reductions, and we're already seeing staffing cuts,' Kaul said during a stop in Eau Claire on Monday. 'The programs in place are sort of being held together with duct tape. It can be held together in the short term, but it's not sustainable.'
Kaul said he is seeking $68 million in state revenue this biennium to support victim services programs across the state. He noted that federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) aid is dropping. He said the state has made 'real progress' in victim services programs and he said they need to continue. The vast majority of the money would go to non-profit organizations.
'These services can help empower victims,' he said. 'It's at risk because of a funding crisis.'
Kaul had a roundtable discussion at the Eau Claire County Courthouse and was joined by Republicans and Democrats alike, as Rep. Jodi Emerson (D-Eau Claire), Rep. Jeff Smith (D-Town of Brunswick), Rep. Karen Hurd (R-Withee) and Sen. Jesse James (R-Thorp) all attended the session.
Hurd agreed the programs are needed, saying 'It helps us hold those accountable who are committing these crimes.'
Emerson is the ranking Democrat on the Criminal Justice Committee, and she discussed how money paid in fines help fund these programs.
'We need to be building up our communities that help prevent these crimes from happening,' she said. 'We are losing staff; we are losing programs around the state.'
Emerson said she is concerned about if dollars will run out for those programs if the state doesn't complete its budget until later this year, and how those programs will continue without aid.
Eric Huse, Eau Claire County legal services director, noted that state victim rights are enshrined in the state Constitution. But without the added dollars, 'it will ultimately result in significantly reduced services.'
Kaul was pleased to meet with members of both parties.
'We're committed to working to make our communities safer,' Kaul said. 'This really isn't a partisan issue.'
The Department of Justice presently has 17 victim services positions, and Kaul said 14 are paid for by federal dollars. The $68 million request includes money to maintain all of those 17 positions.
Joining federal lawsuits
Kaul said Wisconsin has now joined in 18 multi-state lawsuits to fight actions taken by President Donald Trump and his administration. Kaul said his office is helping to create and shape arguments, but also writing declarations of how these federal actions would impact Wisconsin residents. He said it is important for Wisconsin's voice to be heard in these lawsuits.
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