Advertisement Gov. Walker: Don't defund Milwaukee if crime persists 'We're going to invest in things that work' Share Shares Copy Link Copy

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker took a hard stance Wednesday against a Republican lawmaker’s suggestion that Milwaukee face funding cuts if crime rates are not lowered.VIDEO: Governor refuses to cut Milwaukee fundingState Rep. Janel Brandtjen of Menomonee Falls promised to seek funding cuts for the city if Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett does not quell crime in the city.Her call came after police apprehended a teen suspected of fleeing police in a stolen car and finally stopping in Washington County.Walker blasted that idea Wednesday.“The answer is not to take money away at a time when we really need to focus on working together,” Walker said.He added that he would be open to spending more state dollars to fight crime in Milwaukee, if that money were used for what he thinks would provide results.“As we did with shotspotter, we’re not going to give a blank check,” Walker said. “We’re going to invest it in things that work.”Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn addressed the rise in carjackings during a public safety meeting with the Common Council Monday. It was the beginning of a multi-pronged effort to quell crime in the city.“Right now, we’re having a spike,” he said. “Right now, we’re having a tipping point.”Walker said he is committed to the all-hands-in approach between government and communities groups as they launch the new effort to combat crime.“We’re going to work together with the mayor, the city council, churches, non-profits, anybody and everybody who wants to work on this issue,” he said.The governor made a repeated point of saying he believes, overall, Milwaukee is a safe and vibrant city that does have issues that need to be addressed.The way to accomplish that, he said, is by working together, not cutting funding.Get the WISN 12 NEWS app