Proposed bill would cut state aid to Wisconsin communities that defund police

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- State lawmakers are considering a proposal to cut state funding for communities who cut funding from their police departments.

On Tuesday, May 18, members of the public got to weigh in.

"This bill comes about because of the vocal calls to defund the police in parts of Wisconsin and our country," said State Senator Van Wanggaard (R-Racine). 

Sen. Wanggaard, a former Racine police officer, is a co-sponsor of the bill.

Opposition from the speakers at Tuesday's hearing was strong and emotional. One person called it "holding a municipal budget hostage."

"By saying, we're gonna take money away from you if you don't continue giving the exact same amount or more to cops, is absolutely morally reprehensible, and I don't understand why that's not like abundantly clear to everyone."

There was no public testimony in favor of the bill at this hearing, but it is supported by groups like the Wisconsin Professional Police Association.

The city of Milwaukee is on record opposing the bill.