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State budget includes Assistant DAs for Lafayette, Green Co.
Craig Nolen
Green County District Attorney Craig Nolen

MADISON — The recently signed bipartisan state budget includes a new half-time assistant district attorney (ADA) for Lafayette County, according to State Representative Todd Novak (Dodgeville). On behalf of Lafayette County, Rep. Novak submitted a budget motion to create the position and included $38,000 per year to fund the position. The Joint Finance Committee incorporated Rep. Novak’s motion into the state budget bill. The state budget bill passed both Chambers on a bipartisan vote and was signed by the Governor.

“Currently Lafayette and Crawford Counties are the only two counties that don’t have an assistant district attorney. For the past four years Lafayette County has seen an increase in prosecutions, which has put a strain on the office,” said Novak. He added that he was asked by District Attorney Jenna Gill, Judge Duane Jorgenson, and local law enforcement to advocate for the position.

“As it stands now, District Attorney Gill is the only attorney in the Lafayette County District Attorney’s Office. Outside of court appearances, District Attorney Gill also participates in various meetings with local departments and agencies as well as advancing evidenced based practices relating to deferred prosecution and judgment for first time offenders. It’s clear based on the current workload that an additional half-time assistant district attorney would increase the efficiency of the office and allow for justice to more effectively be carried out,” said Novak.

Rep. Novak also supported a .40 ADA position for Green County, which was included in the budget. This will take the current .60 ADA to a full-time position. The request was submitted by Green County District Attorney Craig Nolen. 

“It has always been my belief that we need to give our prosecutors and law enforcement the tools they need to fight crime. I’m very proud to support our local law enforcement and prosecutors; when they make a request, I will always advocate for the needs of what is best for the 51st Assembly District,” said Novak.   

Rep. Novak can be reached at (608) 266-7502 or by email at Rep.Novak@legis.wisconsin.gov. Additional information on Rep. Novak can be found at his website RepNovak.com.