Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has signed an executive order creating a process for many people in the Wisconsin prison system to officially apply for commutation. This process will run through January 4, 2027, when Evers leaves office.
Open Letters on Justice and Public Safety
The governor’s decision has sparked a series of open letters on the topic of justice and public safety. One letter addressed to Governor Evers thanked him for his record-setting and bold actions regarding pardons and commutations, but also emphasized the importance of maintaining courage in the face of criticism and engaging with crime survivors.
Another letter addressed to U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany highlighted the need to prioritize public safety and rehabilitation efforts, rather than relying solely on incarceration. The letter also encouraged Tiffany to meet with those who have experience with the criminal justice system to better understand how it can be improved.
A third letter addressed to the Democratic gubernatorial field encouraged candidates to not shy away from the commutations issue, citing data and research that supports the effectiveness of commutations in achieving public safety outcomes.
Original reporting: Wisconsin Watch — read the source article.