Special legislative session needed in Wisconsin

As we pointed out yesterday, Wisconsin state lawmakers have failed to raise a finger following the death of George Floyd. They have not cast a vote, or held a hearing, or so much as scheduled a meeting to discuss possible reforms to the state’s system of policing. Governor Evers has backed a bill that would begin the process of reform. It would require that use of force be a last resort and that police instances of misconduct be documented and easily accessible to the public. But there are no lawmakers to debate the bill, because legislative leaders haven’t felt the issue urgent enough to interrupt their year-long vacation and return to Madison and schedule hearings and order debate. That’s why Governor Evers should follow the advice of Wisconsin’s Legislative Black  Caucus and call a special session of the legislature for June 19^th, known as Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. That would be a perfect time to discuss issues related to race relations and police brutality. Governor Evers has offered a plan. Let’s hear what the other side has to say. Let’s finally give this issue the attention it deserves.