Wisconsin’s 2025–27 budget includes a sweeping investment in public safety, adding more than 40 assistant district attorneys (ADAs), expanding public defender capacity, and upgrading criminal justice systems across the state.

The budget deal delivers a major win for public safety by adding 42 assistant district attorney (ADA) positions across Wisconsin—a move long pushed by Republican lawmakers concerned about mounting caseloads and prosecution delays. 

The additions target some of the most understaffed counties in the state, especially in northeastern Wisconsin, where victim justice has often been delayed due to a lack of available prosecutors. Republicans have made clear that rebuilding ADA capacity is essential to keeping communities safe and ensuring that cases move through the court system efficiently.

The budget motion passed by an 11-3 vote, all Democrats voting against it. (RELATED: Milwaukee Police Slayer Had History of Violence)

Targeted Investments in Prosecution and Defense

The budget funds 42 new ADA positions statewide. Key allocations include:

• 12.5 – Milwaukee County (funded through traffic fine revenue)
  
• 7 – Brown County
  
• 6 – Waukesha County
  
• 4 – Fond du Lac County
  
• 2.5 – Kenosha County
  
• 2 – Shawano/Menominee Counties
  
• 1.5 – Grant County
  
• 0.5 – Crawford County
  
• 0.5 – Manitowoc County
  
• 0.5 – Outagamie County
  

The State Public Defender’s Office will receive resources to hire 12.5 additional public defenders, aimed at improving case flow and ensuring fair legal representation across all counties. (RELATED: District 7 Understaffing Is Dangerous Says Milwaukee Police Association)

Debate Over Green Bay Prison Closure

A bipartisan plan to close the aging Green Bay Correctional Institution (GBCI) by 2029 was halted when Gov. Tony Evers vetoed the proposed timeline. Though $15 million was allocated for eventual closure planning, the governor’s veto frustrated lawmakers who say the facility endangers both staff and inmates and drains resources on outdated infrastructure. 

Office of School Safety and Victim Services Expanded

The budget permanently funds the Office of School Safety and its “Speak Up, Speak Out” tip line, which allows students, teachers, and community members to report threats before they escalate. Thirteen staff positions are now codified to support the program.

Also included is one-time funding to stabilize crime victim services impacted by federal VOCA grant reductions, along with continued support for child advocacy centers throughout Wisconsin.

Law Enforcement Tech and Data Sharing

A $4 million law enforcement data integration pilot program will allow departments to improve interoperability, reduce redundant records, and share real-time analytics to prevent and investigate crimes more effectively.

Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office also secured a massive increase in expressway policing funds—from $1 million to $38 million over the biennium—enabling expanded patrols and enforcement. (RELATED: Milwaukee Police Chief Offers Emotional Tribute to Fallen Officer)