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Wisconsin Governor Evers Urges Legislative Action in Final Year of Term
Wisconsin’s Democratic Governor Tony Evers has called on the Republican-controlled Legislature to address a wide range of priorities during his final year in office, challenging lawmakers to extend their session beyond scheduled adjournment dates if necessary to complete important work.
“We have a year left and it’s not all about me,” Evers, who has decided against seeking a third term, told reporters on Monday. “All of the things that need to be addressed, many of them can be.”
Evers’ appeal comes just one year after Republicans rejected many similar proposals in his state budget. Despite this history, the governor expressed optimism that bipartisan agreement is within reach on several critical issues, including protecting funding for SNAP, the nation’s primary food assistance program, and addressing water pollution caused by PFAS chemicals.
The governor has served Wisconsin, a critical swing state, since 2019. During his tenure, he helped Democrat Joe Biden narrowly win the state in 2020, though former President Donald Trump carried Wisconsin in both 2016 and 2024 by less than one percentage point.
As his term winds down, Evers appears focused on setting the stage for Democrats to potentially reclaim the legislative majority they lost in 2010. His signing of new district maps in 2024 has already helped Democrats reduce Republican majorities in both the Assembly and Senate. Party strategists believe voter sentiment toward Trump may further aid their efforts in upcoming midterm elections.
The Legislature is currently scheduled to conclude its session by mid-March, with the Assembly planning to adjourn in mid-February to allow lawmakers time to campaign for fall elections. Evers criticized this abbreviated timeline.
“I think it’s bad politics to say we’re done in February, we’re done in March, and we’ll see you at the polls,” Evers said. “That doesn’t work. I don’t think it’s a good message. We have the opportunity to do some good things.”
The governor highlighted areas where bipartisan progress appears possible, including the release of $125 million to combat PFAS pollution. He also noted both sides are close to agreement on additional safeguards to prevent federal penalties related to SNAP food assistance eligibility determinations.
One of Evers’ most ambitious proposals calls for an additional $1.3 billion in public school funding to help reduce property taxes. This comes as homeowners across the state have recently received higher tax bills, a situation Republicans have blamed on Evers because of a veto that allows schools to increase spending limits for 400 years.
School funding remains a complex issue in Wisconsin. Evers and education officials maintain that state funding has failed to keep pace with expenses, forcing districts to seek voter approval for property tax increases through referendums. “We’re in a world of hurt” if schools don’t receive more state money, Evers warned, predicting property taxes will continue to rise.
Republican legislative leaders appear hesitant to embrace increased general school aid. “We have to have a bigger conversation about how we’re going to fund schools long term than just saying we’re gonna put more money to the same formula doing the same thing,” Assembly Speaker Robin Vos told The Associated Press last month.
Evers also pressed for action on his plan to close the 128-year-old prison in Green Bay as part of a comprehensive correctional system overhaul. While the state building commission has approved $15 million for planning, the governor emphasized that without further legislative commitment, the initiative will stall after those funds are exhausted.
“We have to get this across the finish line,” Evers said, underscoring the urgency of addressing these issues before his term ends in January 2025.
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12 Comments
Serving as a critical swing state, Wisconsin’s politics are often contentious. The governor’s appeal for bipartisanship in his final year could set the stage for more collaborative policymaking going forward.
If the legislature can work with the governor on these priorities, it may help rebuild trust and pave the way for future cooperation, regardless of party affiliation.
With the governor not seeking re-election, this could be a unique opportunity for the legislature to come together and make progress on long-standing issues. Voters will be watching to see if they can put aside partisanship.
It will be interesting to see if the legislature responds positively to the governor’s call for action or if political posturing continues to hamper progress in the state.
It’s good to see the governor pushing for action on key priorities in his final year. Bipartisan cooperation on issues like SNAP funding and PFAS pollution will be crucial for Wisconsin residents.
Hopefully the legislature can put partisan politics aside and work with the governor to address these important challenges before the end of his term.
Addressing water pollution from PFAS chemicals seems like a particularly important issue that requires urgent attention. I hope the legislature recognizes the public health implications and works with the governor on a solution.
Protecting SNAP funding is also critical given the ongoing economic challenges many families are facing. Bipartisan agreement on this would be a welcome development.
Given the narrow margins in recent presidential elections, addressing issues like PFAS pollution and SNAP funding could have broader implications for Wisconsin voters. The legislature should take the governor’s call seriously.
At the end of the day, the citizens of Wisconsin should be the priority, not partisan political games. Hopefully the legislature puts the state’s interests first in this final year.
With the governor not seeking re-election, this could be a unique window of opportunity to make progress on important issues that have previously been stalled by partisan divides. The legislature should seize the moment.
Bipartisan cooperation on challenges like water pollution and food assistance will be key to demonstrating that lawmakers can put people over politics, even in a highly polarized state like Wisconsin.