Public Safety Compromised by Lehman’s ‘Felon Early Release’ Program

Wanggaard encourages Lehman to support efforts to repeal irresponsible program

Racine, WI  – State Senate candidate Van Wanggaard issued a statement today criticizing the state’s “early release” program for felons that was passed as part of the state budget:

“The felon early release program directly impacts public safety by releasing dangerous criminals back into their communities before their sentences are complete.  This policy was snuck into the budget bill without public debate, and it directly undermines the justice system by taking sentencing power out of the hands of judges and placing it in the hands of government bureaucrats. My opponent, Senator John Lehman, had a hand in writing the state budget and voted for the final version of the bill.

As a former police officer, I am concerned that these dangerous criminals will return to their communities and end up committing the same crimes, a concern shared by Racine’s own police chief.  With the city of Racine facing the second highest unemployment rate in the state, and the county of Racine struggling with nearly 10% unemployment, sending felons back to the community where law-abiding citizens are having trouble finding work is a recipe for disaster and an invitation for them to reoffend.

Senator Lehman and his colleagues have clearly forgotten that the #1 priority of an elected official is to ensure public safety.  The minimal cost savings that will be realized by releasing felons from prison early is not a valid excuse to compromise the safety of Racine citizens and place added strain on local law enforcement departments.

I urge Senator Lehman to support efforts to repeal the early release program, and to protect the constituents whom he has repeatedly failed to represent.”

The early release program includes crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, and child abuse as felonies that are eligible for sentencing modification.  Last month, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn suspended his state’s similar program after several violent crimes were committed by felons who had been released early.

Posted @ 3:38 p.m.