MADISON, Wis. WMTV – People in Wisconsin affected by the 1994 Crime Bill are asking lawmakers to repeal it and replace it with the National Justice Reinvestment Act.
The group WISDOM held a press conference at the Wisconsin State Capitol on Tuesday morning.
The crime bill is controversial because it pushed states to build more prisons and enforce stricter sentencing laws, which many believe led to mass incarceration in the U.S.
Formerly incarcerated individuals and organizations are calling for changes to the prison system that grew after the bill was passed.
Julie Bliefnick said, It’s not just up to the people in prison to change. The system itself needs to be designed to help rehabilitate and restore them, because they are members of our community.
Prince Rashada, an advocate for justice reinvestment, said, When people leave prison, there should be support systems in place—like mental health services, job training, and higher education opportunities. I hate to admit it, but I had to go to prison to get an education. I even earned my PhD while incarcerated.
Lawmakers also discussed the bill’s impact and encouraged the public to keep raising this issue with their local senators. September 13 marks 30 years since the bill became law.