APPLETON, WI — Local crime victims rights services leaders meet with Attorney General Josh Kaul in Appleton Wednesdayto discuss the impact of federal funding cuts on victims services. The Wisconsin Department of Justice is requesting nearly $68-million over the next two years to replace federal funds. Attorney General Kaul says the current federal funds to Wisconsin are inadequate to meet victims’ needs.
Wisconsin has seen funding through the federal Victims of Crime Act program and American Rescue Plan Act reduced from $44-million each of the past two years to $13-million annually. Outagamie County District Attorney Melinda Tempelis says maintaining funding for the Outagamie County Victim Crisis Response team makes for a stronger community.
Robin Scott, the Executive Director of “We All Rise”, says those federal funding cuts will only further strain their thinly-stretched budget.
Despite the sometimes contentious atmosphere at the state capitol, Attorney General Kaul says there are reasons to be optimistic.
Among the services provide by the Department of Justice are the Safe at Home program and Victim Resource Center. Kaul’s visit is part of the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
