Gov. Evers announced statewide office of violence prevention

Wisconsin’s Democratic governor on Tuesday created a new office dedicated to preventing gun violence, a month after a school shooting. Gov. Tony Evers also called on the Republican-controlled Legislature to pass a series of gun control and public safety measures, saying reducing violence should be a “shared priority that transcends politics.” Evers signed an executive order creating a statewide office of violence prevention that will work with local partners including law enforcement agencies, nonprofits, school districts and gun shop owners with the goal of reducing gun violence. The office will also work to develop public education campaigns and promote safer communities. Evers announced $10 million in federal funding for the office. He said his state budget that will be submitted to the Legislature next month will request more state funding to continue the office over the next two years. Evers also said he would be proposing a sweeping package of gun violence and public safety measures.