MADISON, Wis. (WRN) — Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul is asking for money in the next state budget to cover costs of for crime victim services.
The need for the funding was highlighted at a Wausau roundtable on Tuesday. Jane Graham Jennings of The Women’s Community said those services can save lives.
“So you can pay for it on the front end by providing the support and resources needed for people who have been hurt and traumatized to thrive and live,” Jennings said. “Or you can pay for it on the end when there’s a homicide investigation or a suicide investigation because someone who’s been sexually abused just can’t go on another day.”
A fund established through the federal Victims of Crimes Act distributes money from fines and fees paid by people convicted of federal charges. Kaul is asking for $30 million in the next budget to help offset dwindling federal funds.