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As a state lawmaker, Scott Walker backed laws designed to make sure criminal convicts served their entire sentences.
In 2009, in an attempt to help close a state budget deficit, an early release law was adopted under Gov. Jim Doyle, a Democrat. When Walker ran for governor in 2010, he explicitly said he would reverse that move:
"I would end Gov. Doyle's program of letting criminals out of prison early. As the original author of Wisconsin's Truth-in-Sentencing law, I believe criminals should serve their entire sentences. Bureaucrats and politicians should not be overriding the decisions of judges, juries and prosecutors. Victims and their families deserve better."
As governor, Walker included the repeal provision in his 2011-13 state budget proposal.
Legislators pulled the item out and passed it as a separate bill.
The repeal passed the Senate 22-11 in May 2011 and the Assembly 68-29 in June 2011, with both votes gathering bipartisan support.
Walker signed the bill July 19, 2011.
That moves this one to the Promise Kept category.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Walker's budget cuts would touch most Wisconsinites,” March 1, 2011
Racine Journal Times, "At what cost? Over 200 inmates out early under new law,” Oct. 17,2010
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Walker signs bill repealing early release,” July 19, 2011
Gov. Scott Walker news release, Walker signs repeal of early release, July 19, 2011