1410 WIZM

DISTRICT ATTORNEYS IN WISCONSIN MAY AVOID STAFFING CUTS, BECAUSE OF A FUNDING BILL PASSED BY THE BUDGET COMMITTEE IN MADISON YESTERDAY. BUT THE BILL WILL NOT INCLUDE MONEY FOR ADDING ATTORNEYS IN COUNTIES THAT NEED MORE, SUCH AS LA CROSSE COUNTY. ALSO, NEW DRUNK DRIVING RULES TAKING EFFECT THIS YEAR COULD INCREASE THE NUMBER OF CASES FOR A D-A.

THE COUNTY DOES HAVE A SPECIAL O-W-I COURT. BUT D-A TIM GRUENKE POINTS OUT THAT THE COURT IS AIMED AT KEEPING CONVICTED DRUNK DRIVERS OUT OF JAIL. IT DOESN'T LIMIT THE NUMBER OF CASES TO BE PROSECUTED IN THE COURT SYSTEM.