MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WRN) — Governor Tony Evers is hoping to spend some of the state’s massive tax surplus on shoring up the justice system. The governor’s proposal would spend $36 million to pay prosecutors and public defenders more across the board. State Bar President Margaret Hickey says they need that funding to retain and attract lawyers.
“You go to three years of law school and come out and make $56,000 a year.” said Hickey. “It’s not surprising that people can’t make ends meet and look for something different.”
Evers also wants to hire 50 more prosecutors and public defenders, and increase the pay for elected district attorneys.
That proposed budget is now in the hands of the legislature’s joint finance committee.
