GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Democratic state legislators from Milwaukee are looking to pass legislation to improve life for those inside Wisconsin prisons and county jails. The lawmakers believe if people were better cared for while incarcerated, they’d have a better chance of being productive members of society once they’re released.
There are more than 21,000 people currently incarcerated in Wisconsin prisons. According to several people who spent time in prison, as well as lawmakers who are trying to improve conditions behind bars, they believe the situation facing prisoners right now is inhumane.
“The opaque windows where you can’t see outside of the windows, lack of recreation, unable to talk with other people, lack of visiting and exercise inside these cages,” said Talib Akbar, a former inmate.
State Rep. Ryan Clancy, who helped author the bills, added, “This person, whose biggest priority was being able to see outside, because it was so traumatic and so disorienting to be locked in the place where he wasn’t aware of the existence of anything outside those walls.”
A group of legislative democrats have unveiled 17 different bills they say will improve conditions for prisoners. The bills include everything from personal hygiene and communications to oversight and transparency. The proposal would require inmates get hot showers multiple times a week, weekly in-person visits, and recreational opportunities.
Those pushing for the bills say improved conditions on the inside can lead to less recidivism and improved public safety on the outside.
According to Clancy, “The data is incredibly clear here. When we are less cruel to the people we incarcerate those folks are less likely to be incarcerated in the future. When we make efforts not to sever people from their communities, we ensure that they’re more likely to stay and thrive there.”
According to Village of Allouez president, Jim Rafter, these latest proposals are a step in the right direction, but he’s not sure they are a long-term solution. Rafter said, “Mandating these things is great but if you can’t do it because of the facilities and you can’t do it because you don’t have the staff, I don’t know how you’re going to pull that off.”
The authors of the bills say they’re working with Department of Corrections officials and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle on this prison reform.
