Attorney General Hopeful Josh Kaul Says More To Be Done On Consumer Protection

Democratic attorney general candidate Josh Kaul said Thursday he thinks current Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel has passed on filing lawsuits that would help Wisconsin consumers.

Kaul has been vocal about his opposition to Schimel getting the state involved in a lawsuit challenging the Affordable Care Act, but on Thursday he outlined a few instances in which he believes Schimel should’ve taken action.

“One of the places where I think our AG needs to play a bigger role is when it comes to enforcing the laws that protect our environment and enforcing the laws that protect consumers here in Wisconsin,” Kaul said.

Specifically, Kaul mentioned cases other states have pursued relating to student loan companies accused of committing consumer protection violations.

According to The New York Times, those cases have been filed in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Washington and California.

Kaul also mentioned cases going after for-profit colleges for charges of peddling misleading marketing to students, which have been filed in states like California and Massachusetts.

The Democratic candidate also brought up a lawsuit signed onto by Democratic attorneys general in 17 states challenging the Trump administration on enforcing for-profit college regulations.

“The federal government has rolled back some important consumer protections,” Kaul said. “Some states have stood up to take action, but Wisconsin has not.”

Schimel’s campaign responded to the criticism by dismissing it as political activism.

“Josh Kaul is an activist, funded by and supported by activists,” said Johnny Koremenos, Schimel’s campaign spokesman. “Every business owner in Wisconsin should worry about Josh Kaul’s sue-first, ask questions later approach toward job providers.”