MADISON, WI (WSAU) — Lawmakers in Madison have closed out a special session on police reform and transparency bills without taking any action.
“The people of Wisconsin don’t want another task force or more delays-they want action and results, and they want it today, not tomorrow or someday months down the road. It’s disappointing that there’s no sense of urgency from Republicans, and it’s a let down to all the people who are asking us to lead. We have been talking about these bills for months, and Republicans have had plenty of time to consider them on the merits. I encourage Wisconsinites to contact their elected officials and ask them to show up and get to work to pass these bills. We don’t have time to wait,” said Governor Tony Evers in response to Monday’s action
The Associated Press reports that lawmakers spent about 30 seconds in session. No votes were taken, and not all lawmakers were present. The session has reportedly been recessed until Thursday.
State Representative Katrina Shankland, who represents the Stevens Point area, also expressed disappointment in the lack of action by her colleagues.
It has been 138 days since lawmakers in Madison have passed a bill.
Evers called the session last week after the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha. Blake, a Black man, was shot seven times in the back as officers were tugging on his shirt. Blake had reportedly been tased and was trying to get away from officers. An initial Department of Justice investigation into the incident revealed that there was a knife in the vehicle Blake was trying to get into, but no other weapons were found.
Family members say he remains hospitalized and is paralyzed from the waist down. It’s unclear if charges will be filed against the officers involved in the incident, including the man who shot Blake. He’s been identified as Rusten Sheskey, he and all the other officers involved have been placed on administrative leave.
