In his seventh State of the State address, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, a Democrat, delivered a forceful plea to the Republican-controlled legislature to enact a series of proposals they have repeatedly rebuffed, including sweeping gun control measures, expanded mental health services, and increased child care funding, The Associated Press reports.
The speech comes just weeks after a school shooting near the state capital that left a teacher and a student dead, intensifying the urgency of the governor’s calls. However, Republican leaders were quick to dismiss Evers’ agenda, setting the stage for another year of partisan gridlock in the state.
Governor Evers, without directly naming former President Donald Trump, alluded to widespread anxieties about the future, urging bipartisan cooperation on issues like immigration. While the governor called for addressing immigration concerns, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos announced Republicans will introduce a bill focused on cooperation with federal law enforcement for deporting individuals in the country illegally who have committed crimes. Wisconsin is currently one of 22 states challenging the federal government’s efforts to end birthright citizenship.
Gun Control Takes Center Stage
The most impassioned part of Evers’ address focused on gun safety. Five weeks after the devastating school shooting, which occurred a mere six miles from the Capitol, Evers passionately advocated for a range of measures. He called for universal background checks for all gun purchases, reinstating a 48-hour waiting period for gun sales (a law Republicans previously repealed), banning “ghost guns,” and closing a loophole allowing domestic abusers to possess firearms. Additionally, Evers proposed incentives for safe gun storage, and “red flag” laws that would allow judges to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others. Republican leaders, however, immediately shot down each proposal.
Mental Health, Childcare Investments
Evers also called for a significant increase in spending for mental health services in schools, requesting $300 million statewide – ten times the amount approved by the Legislature in the last budget. He also designated 2025 as “The Year of the Kid,” urging the passage of $500 million to lower childcare costs, primarily by extending the Child Care Counts program, which is set to expire in June without new funding. Again, Republicans indicated they would not support the additional childcare funding.
Republican Rejection, Tax Cut Counter-Offer
Republican leaders were unyielding in their opposition to Evers’ proposals. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos labeled the governor’s address “chock full of liberal wishes, empty promises and a whole lot of things that are not going to happen in Wisconsin.” Instead, Republicans are prioritizing a tax cut of nearly $1,000 for every taxpayer in the state. Vos emphasized that the legislature would not provide funding to the newly created state office for violence prevention once federal funds expire.
Prescription Drug Costs, Program for Firearm Safety
Beyond gun control and child care, Evers also advocated for initiatives to control prescription drug prices, including establishing price ceilings, increasing oversight of drug companies, removing the state sales tax on over-the-counter medications, and capping insulin copays at $35.
Emotional Call for Voluntary Firearm Registry
In a moving moment, Evers recognized the widow and parents of former State Representative Jonathan Brostoff, who recently died by suicide. Overcome with emotion, Evers unveiled a new program allowing individuals to voluntarily register to prevent themselves from purchasing a firearm, a measure he hopes will prevent future tragedies.
