Republican Lawmakers Send Evers Letter Complaining About Prison Raises

Assembly Republicans with prisons in their districts are complaining about Democratic Gov. Tony Evers decision to grant temporary raises at only six institutions.

Nineteen Republicans sent a letter to Evers on Wednesday saying the raises aren’t fair and compensation should be addressed through the state budget.

Evers’ state budget calls for spending an additional $23.8 million to set up a pay progression system for corrections workers. Days before the audit was released, Evers’ administration gave temporary raises of up to $5-an-hour to workers at Columbia, Dodge, Green Bay, Taycheedah and Waupun correctional institutions, as well as the Lincoln Hills youth prison.

Evers spokeswoman Melissa Baldauff said Evers is trying to fix problems Republicans have ignored.