Wisconsin Launches Office of Violence Prevention

In response to a recent deadly school shooting in Madison, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced the creation of a new Office of Violence Prevention, allocating $10 million in federal funds for its operations. This office will distribute grants and work with local partners to reduce gun violence through public education campaigns and policy improvements. Evers emphasized that addressing gun violence should be a bipartisan priority, urging the Republican-controlled Legislature to support comprehensive gun control measures, despite previous rejections. Republican State Sen. Van Wanggaard criticized the initiative, arguing that resources should instead be directed towards law enforcement. Evers plans to include further funding and a detailed gun safety reform package in his upcoming state budget proposal, fostering collaboration between state and local entities to address the statewide problem with widespread consequences.