Wisconsin’s new Governor shows concern about state’s juvenile prison woes

In his eight years as Governor of Wisconsin, Scott Walker did not make one visit to the state’s juvenile prison, the Lincoln Hills School for boys. Despite the fact that the lockup has been the site of a number of attacks on both guards and inmates, as well as sexual assaults that prompted an FBI investigation, Walker said he didn’t think it was necessary to visit the facility. His successor obviously feels much different. Governor Tony Evers not only plans to visit the Lincoln Hills facility, he plans to do so today, during his first week in office. Evers says it is important that both staff and inmates know that he is concerned about them. But Evers isn’t likely to simply stop by and chat. He is likely to order some changes in how things are run at the juvenile prison. Workers there, including one employee who was beaten, says more resources are needed at Lincoln Hills. Safety should be the top priority, she says, but also more resources such as education and mental health treatment. By refusing to even visit the facility, Walker gave the clear impression he didn’t care he didn’t care about the people working or being housed there. By visiting during his first week in office, Evers is demonstrating he does care, and that is the first step to making necessary changes.