Turner heads committee on criminal justice

State Rep. Robert Turner, D-Racine, has been appointed chairman of the Assembly Committee on Criminal Justice.

"Despite a lack of money for new programs, there are many emerging issues that do not necessarily require additional spending,” Turner said.

Turner, a former military policeman in the Air Force in Vietnam, has served on the Criminal Justice Committee during the past two legislative sessions. Turner said he actively sought the appointment. "I welcome the opportunity to foster effective and fair criminal justice policies," he said.

In 2007-08, Turner served as the ranking Democrat on the Criminal Justice Committee. His term as chair starts in January.