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Legislators: Wisconsin horrible for black kids

Legislators: Wisconsin horrible for black kids
Posted at 4:09 PM, Feb 12, 2018
and last updated 2018-02-12 17:17:18-05

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The Latest on the State of Black and Brown address (all times local):

   1:40 p.m.

   Members of the Legislature's Black and Latino caucus say Wisconsin is the worst place in the nation to raise a black child.

   The lawmakers made the remarks at the first annual State of Black and Brown Wisconsin address in the state Capitol on Monday. Democratic Sens. Lena Taylor and LaTonya Johnson began the address by declaring that Wisconsin is the worst place to raise black children due to economic and health disparities between blacks and whites.

   Taylor said so many black people are incarcerated that the state's black population is declining. She noted legislators can't find enough staffers of color. She suggested building job training hubs around the state.

   Both Taylor and Johnson both complained about prisoner abuse at the state's youth prison outside Irma. Johnson said she's glad that Gov. Scott Walker has called for the prison to close in favor of regional facilities.

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   10:20 a.m.

   Black and Hispanic leaders are preparing to give an address in the state Capitol about issues affecting minority communities.

   The first annual address is dubbed the State of Black and Brown Wisconsin. The presentation will include speeches from Eve Hall, president and CEO of the Milwaukee Urban League, and the Rev. Alexander Gee, a Madison activist.

   Community members also are expected to speak.