WI Governor Tony Evers delivered his second State of the State address to the legislature on Wednesday evening. The speech laid out his policy agenda, and goals for 2020.
Evers said a goal for this year is to promote rural and agricultural prosperity. The Governor mentioned a plan to expand the UW Farm Center and programs, create more access to mental health services for farmers, and to develop the Wisconsin Office of Rural Prosperity, which would help people navigate all state programs and resources offered for rural communities. He called for a special session of the legislature next week to take up farming legislation.
Evers also set a goal to increase and invest in Wisconsin’s dairy exports through new initiatives.
The address also touched on climate change, criminal justice reform, education and clean water.
He called on the Legislature to act to get PFAS and a host of other health issues, “out of our water.”
Both the Senate and Assembly Tuesday approved a bill to limit the use of firefighting foam containing PFAS, sending it to Evers’ desk. But Democrats have criticized it for not going far enough.
Assembly leader Robin Vos has already announced that the legislature could adjourn for the year as early as February to allow lawmakers more time for campaigning in the fall, leaving few days left in session to consider legislative proposals from Evers’ address.
You can watch the full address HERE.
Wisconsin’s Assembly GOP responded to Wednesday’s State of the State address. You can read their comments HERE.
