We have a billion dollar decision to make.
Join us on Thursday, November 21st 2019 at 6pm at Saint Matthew Church (130 Saint Matthew Street, Green Bay WI 54301)
Welcome to Wisconsin where, in many communities, being taken away to jail or prison is more common than being sent off to college. The prison population in this state has more than tripled since 1990, burdening taxpayers, compromising public safety and hindering justice.
The Green Bay Correctional Institute (GBCI) was constructed in 1898. It may require substantial capital improvements. A May 3, 2019 report of the Legislative Audit Bureau reported that many believe its antiquated design is not conducive to the efficient operation of a modern prison. The report said that, among Wisconsin’s prisons, GBCI is the best candidate for closure. The Allouez Village Board has unanimously supported the distribution of a petition supporting the decommissioning of GBCI.
It is clear that, after 121 years, GBCI is nearing the end of its useful life. That means that Wisconsin’s Governor and State Legislature have a big decision to make: Will our state spend $1 billion over the next 20 years to build and operate a new prison, or will we join the states around the nation that are reducing their prison populations? Will we spend $1 billion another prison, or will we invest $1 billion over the next 20 years on the programs that can uplift our people, reduce crime, and re-build our communities?
Our conversation will include a presentation and testimony by David Liners, WISDOM State Director, Sarah Ferber, EXPO (Ex-Incarcerated Persons Organizing) Associate Director, and Carl Fields, EXPO Community Organizer. We will also have legislative updates. This event is free and open to the public.
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