GOP sends Gov. Evers letter complaining about prison raises

MADISON — Assembly Republicans with prisons in their districts are complaining about Democratic Gov. Tony Evers' decision to grant temporary raises at only six institutions.

Nineteen Republicans sent a letter Wednesday, May 8 to Evers saying the raises aren't fair and compensation should be addressed through the state budget.

A state audit released last week found entry-level guard pay in Wisconsin was second-lowest among seven Midwestern states.

Evers' budget calls for spending an additional $23.8 million to create a pay progression system for prison workers. Days before the audit was released Evers' administration gave temporary raises of up to $5-an-hour to workers at Columbia, Dodge, Green Bay, Taycheedah and Waupun correctional institutions as well as the Lincoln Hills youth prison.

Evers spokeswoman Melissa Baldauff says Evers is trying to fix problems Republicans have ignored.