Gov. Tommy Thompson called the Legislature back to work Wednesday to vote on proposals that would keep prisoners behind bars longer, change the financing of political campaigns and overhaul Milwaukee public schools.
Thompson proposed all three items in his State of the State address in January, and warned lawmakers he would call them back for a special session if they didn’t pass truth-in-sentencing legislation before their year ended.
“Today, I am following through on that promise,” Thompson said.
The proposals would keep prisoners behind bars longer by extending their sentences and eliminating time off for good behavior; set voluntary spending limits for candidates for statewide races; and give the Milwaukee Public School System an ultimatum– improve test scores by June 2000 or face a takeover by state officials. Among other things, schools also would have to improve their graduation and attendance rates and cut their dropout rates.
The Legislature would meet to work on the three proposals no later than April 28.
