Green Box Criminal Inquiry Initiated
MADISON, WI – As Governor Walker continues to travel across the country pursuing his presidential ambitions, a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel report revealed that Green Box corporation is under criminal scrutiny for possibly fraudulently receiving $1.2 million in loans from the State of Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that WEDC officials plotted to steer taxpayer dollars to Republican campaign contributor even after learning that the business owned by that contributor had provided falsified and misleading information about their financial health.
“The ongoing corruption and mismanagement at the WEDC is a black eye for our state,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse). “I understand that Gov. Walker wants to focus on his presidential campaign but the legislature has a responsibility to look out for Wisconsin taxpayers.”
Senate Democrats introduced a proposal that would have required WEDC employees to report fraudulent activity to law enforcement authorities. The proposal was rejected by Senate Republicans on a 19-14 party-line vote.
“It’s hard to believe that the corruption and potential criminal violations that have been exposed at the WEDC are isolated incidents,” added Shilling. “Senate Republicans should stop selling out Wisconsin families to protect the special interest donors behind Gov. Walker’s presidential campaign. It’s time to take action to correct these problems and prevent the WEDC from spiraling further out of control.”
The criminal investigation is ongoing.
