Fighting for the safety of our communities has been a top priority of mine for many years.  Even before coming into office, I have gained the respect of law enforcement and other public safety officials by working with them to protect our streets and homes.  One of my proudest accomplishments is having coordinated Milwaukee's Crisis Intervention Team and Crisis Intervention Partner program.  These programs promote both public and police safety, by directing police efforts to utilize the most appropriate interventions thus also reducing physical injuries to police and civilians.  These experiences, coupled with my evidence-based approaches to these issues, have allowed me to emerge as a leader on public safety issues across the state.

Since entering office, I have been chosen to serve on the Assembly Committees on Corrections and the Courts, Criminal Justice, and Public Health and Public Safety.  Last session, I helped pass the most significant drunk driving reforms our state has seen in decades.  And in face of historic cuts in state spending, I fought to preserve funding for programs and services that protect our families and ensure victims get the justice they deserve. Further, I authored legislation that provides additional vital tools to law enforcement involved in investigations involving electronic communications.  This bill, which became law, assists law enforcement in working quickly and efficiently to protect those who are often the most susceptible to internet-based crime.  In addition to these efforts, have also been actively collaborating with a wide range of public safety officials on corrections reform, in an effort to promote evidence-based solutions that improve the safety of our communities, while also reducing an unnecessarily increasing tax-payer burden.

In my communications with public safety officials and community members, it is clear that the choices made by Senator Darling this session will clearly put individuals and families across the 8^th Senate District at risk.  She chose to support a dangerous proposal that allows people to carry loaded, concealed weapons in most public places – including school zones, parks, churches, bars, hospitals, libraries, college campuses, domestic violence shelters, and the State Capitol – while placing burdensome mandates on private businesses or government buildings that wish to prohibit weapons on their premises.  Further, her budget slashes roughly $76 million in shared revenue, which funds the local police, fire, and emergency medical services we depend on everyday.  In addition, her failure to support  criminal background checks on teachers in the voucher programs raises serious concerns about her commitment to the safety of our children.

My record, both before coming to office and as a legislator, clearly shows that I have fought to protect our communities and keep our state safe.  I pledge to continue this fight as your next State Senator.