Members of Republican Party urge Gov. Evers to sign reckless driving bill into law

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A father's grief and anger is putting a spotlight on Wisconsin's efforts to curb reckless and deadly driving.

"Words cannot express how enraged I am at Erin's murderer. But I am also incensed at the Milwaukee County judges and corrections officials who never held her killer accountable for past crimes."

Mark Hagen lost his daughter in a crash last November, caused by a convicted criminal running from police. 

State lawmakers have passed a bill that would increase the penalty for trying to get away from law enforcement. That bill is on Governor Tony Evers' desk and has been for almost a month. 

On Tuesday, Republicans held a press conference urging him to sign it.

Senate Bill 514 was passed in mid-February. It would increase penalties for fleeing an officer. 

Former Milwaukee Alderman Bob Donovan was at the press conference Tuesday, along with the grassroots organization Enough is Enough, a Legacy for Erin. 

That's a reference to Erin Mogensen, who was pregnant when she and her unborn child were killed in Wauwatosa last November. She died in a crash caused by what organizers say was a "career criminal."

Mogensen's father spoke of his loss and for the need to get tougher penalties for people who cause the tragedies.

"Traffic calming measures and expanded education programs do not address the issue that claimed Erin's life. Criminals fleeing police will not be stopped by painted lane markers and traffic signs," said Hagen. "The only solution to evil and selfish criminals like Erin's killer is the knowledge that a prison term is mandatory."

Gov. Evers' office tells us the governor was already planning on signing the bill and intends to do so next week.