Gov. Evers proposes closing Green Bay prison, sweeping prison reforms
MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Gov. Tony Evers is proposing sweeping prison reforms in his upcoming budget that includes closing one of the state's oldest prisons.
Green Bay's 126-year-old maximum-security prison would shut down by 2029, under Gov. Evers' budget proposal. A replacement would not be built. Instead, Waupun Correctional Institute would see major upgrades, costing nearly $250 million.
It comes after both prisons have been plagued by a host of issues including overcrowding, staffing shortages, lockdowns and multiple inmates dying at Waupun.
Jared Hoy, secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, said Evers' proposal would help "rewrite the narrative" at Waupun by transforming the troubled facility into a "vocational village."
It's part of the governor's nearly $500 million criminal justice reform package that seeks to improve prison conditions, upgrade facilities, expand drug treatment programs, and shorten sentences for non-violent offenders.
"My plan is the most cost effective for taxpayers, the most efficient to alleviate the challenges facing our correctional institutions and it's the safest option," Evers told reporters during a press briefing.
The GOP-controlled Legislature would have to sign off on Evers' plan. Negotiations are set to begin after Evers unveils his 2025-2027 state budget to lawmakers Tuesday night.
Evers also seeks to build upon plans to close Lincoln Hills, the problematic juvenile prison, and transfer youth to smaller facilities in Milwaukee, Racine and Mendota.
That includes converting Lincoln Hills into a 500-bed facility for men and completing construction in Dane County to house youth.
Other highlights from the governor's budget:
- $8.9 million to expand the Alternative to Revocation Programs, which helps non-violent incarcerated individuals serve part of their sentence back in their community
- $1 million for substance abuse programs for inmates
- $3.1 million to expand housing programs
- $10.7 million for Division of Community Corrections and Reentry Unit, charged with supervising offenders placed on probation, parole or extended supervision