Courts

Evers promotes diversion programs in La Crosse visit

Published

3 years ago

April 15, 2021

Spending less money on prisons, and more on rehabilitation. That’s one of the goals Governor Tony Evers has, in proposing a new state budget for Wisconsin.

The governor came to La Crosse on Thursday to support more funding for TAD programs…treatment alternatives and diversion.

Evers says the justice system is putting a strain on the state’s population.

“It has disproportionately impacted people of color, especially black and native men,” said the governor. “It has held back communities from success, whether it’s in education, workforce, healthcare, you name it.”

During a news conference at the La Crosse County administrative center, Evers said diversion programs are a way to give offenders new opportunities, which he says is the Wisconsin way.

Kim Joki is a diversion coordinator for the county, who believes the alternative programs help people “self-correct” their behavior.

“We’re there to help guide them through the process, which increases their odds of successfully completing the program,” said

Brad Williams

A native of Prairie du Chien, Brad graduated from UW - La Crosse and has worked in radio news for more than 30 years, mostly in the La Crosse area. He regularly covers local courts and city and county government. Brad produces the features "Yesterday in La Crosse" and "What's Buried on Brad's Desk." He also writes the website "Triviazoids," which finds odd connections between events that happen on a certain date, and he writes and performs with the local comedy group Heart of La Crosse. Brad been featured on several national TV programs because of his memory skills.