Governor Evers’ State of the State Address: Prioritizing Education Funding and Violence Prevention Initiatives

On January 22, Governor Tony Evers delivered his State of the State address in the Wisconsin State Capitol, outlining plans for the coming year.

He began by highlighting Wisconsin’s progress, noting improvements in the economy and the implementation of new, fair legislative maps. These maps are expected to help Democrats gain a stronger presence in future elections.

Evers expressed his commitment to the people of Wisconsin, stating, “I am always willing to work with anyone who is willing to do the right thing for the people of Wisconsin, but I will not compromise on our values.”

In his speech, he declared 2025 the “Year of the Kid,” focusing on major investments in K-12 education. Evers stressed that the future of children is more important than party politics and urged bipartisanship to improve educational systems.

Key initiatives for the “Year of the Kid” include reducing childcare costs, tackling lead exposure in communities, and enhancing mental health services. Evers introduced the “Healthy Meals, Healthy Kids” program, which aims to eliminate school meal debt and ensure every child has access to healthy meals without stigma.

He also discussed the new Office of Violence Prevention, a collaborative effort among government, schools, and nonprofits to combat crime in Wisconsin. This initiative will receive ongoing funding in the upcoming budget.

Gun safety measures were a significant part of Evers’ address. He referenced recent shootings, emphasizing the need for change to prevent future tragedies. “We are not in Madison to quibble about the semantics of the last shooting,” he remarked. “We are here to do everything we can to prevent the next one.”

Proposed solutions included closing loopholes for background checks, implementing a “red flag law” to restrict firearm access for domestic abusers, and introducing a program called SAFE, which allows individuals to voluntarily choose not to purchase firearms temporarily.

Alongside these measures, Evers underscored the importance of mental health resources, such as the crisis hotline 9-8-8, and called for reinstating a 48-hour waiting period for gun purchases.

Bipartisan collaboration was a recurring theme in his speech. Evers encouraged Republican lawmakers to join him in making meaningful changes for Wisconsin. “Let’s do better for Wisconsin than doing nothing,” he emphasized.

He also reaffirmed his dedication to protecting reproductive healthcare rights and supporting LGBTQ+ individuals. Evers vowed to veto any legislation that would undermine safety and inclusivity in the state.

The full Executive Budget proposal will follow Evers’ 2025-27 Biennial Budget Message to the Legislature on February 18.