MADISON, WI- Governor Tony Evers delivered his eighth and final State of the State address Tuesday night, highlighting seven years of bipartisan accomplishments while laying out priorities for the remainder of his term.
Evers, Wisconsin’s 46th governor, announced 2026 will be the “Year of the Neighbor,” emphasizing unity, community engagement, and supporting one another during what he described as divisive times. The governor is set to retire in 2027 and is expected to deliver a formal farewell address later this year.
Bipartisan Record and Fiscal Highlights
In his remarks, Evers pointed to more than 800 bills signed into law during his tenure, noting that over 97 percent passed with bipartisan support. He highlighted investments in public safety, support for firefighters and law enforcement officers with PTSD coverage, reforms to the AMBER Alert system, and expanded recognition of Hmong-Lao Veterans.
The governor also emphasized fiscal stewardship, saying the state has saved taxpayers more than $600 million by paying down roughly $3 billion in debt. He noted Wisconsin has ended each full fiscal year of his administration with a positive balance after decades of structural deficits.
Evers touted more than $2 billion in annual tax relief, including what he described as a 23 percent income tax cut for middle-class families, more than double his original campaign pledge. He also highlighted the elimination of sales tax on household utility bills, projected to save residents $178 million over two years.
Workforce, Housing, and Broadband
Addressing workforce challenges, Evers cited record-low unemployment and record-high employment levels, as well as expanded career and apprenticeship programs. He also pointed to investments that helped more than 127,000 workers access job training.
On housing, the governor referenced the largest state investment in workforce housing in Wisconsin history, supporting over 30,000 new housing units statewide.
Evers also highlighted broadband expansion efforts, saying more than 410,000 homes and businesses will receive new or improved internet access through state and federal investments.
Agriculture, Infrastructure, and Tourism
The governor underscored support for Wisconsin agriculture, including the Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports aimed at increasing exports by 25 percent. He said the state is on track to move into the top 10 nationally for agricultural exports.
On infrastructure, Evers said his administration has improved or repaired more than 9,600 miles of roads and 2,400 bridges. He also referenced record investments in local road construction and a new agricultural roads program.
Wisconsin tourism has set records for three consecutive years, according to the governor, with 2024 generating a record $25.8 billion in total economic impact. He also announced the launch of a new state film office and tax credit program to boost tourism and creative industries.
Education and the “Year of the Kid”
Evers reflected on declaring 2025 the “Year of the Kid,” highlighting investments in child care, K-12 schools, and the University of Wisconsin System. He announced $360 million in child care support and introduced the new “Get Kids Ready” program to help four-year-olds prepare for kindergarten.
However, the governor criticized the Legislature for what he described as underfunding K-12 education and failing to meet agreed-upon special education reimbursement rates. He called on lawmakers to provide additional funding this session.
Public Safety and Gun Violence
Evers urged lawmakers to make the Wisconsin Office of Violence Prevention permanent and fund Victims of Crime Act programs, citing rising domestic violence homicide rates. He also renewed calls for universal background checks and a “red flag” law, proposals that have stalled in the Legislature.
Additionally, he reiterated his support for corrections reform, including closing Green Bay Correctional Institution by 2029 and restructuring other facilities, though those proposals have yet to advance.
Clean Energy and Natural Resources
The governor highlighted Wisconsin’s Clean Energy Plan and announced the state will purchase approximately 225,000 megawatt hours of renewable energy annually for the next 20 years, enough, he said, to power more than half a million homes. He also noted efforts to plant 100 million trees by 2030 and protect forestland and water resources.
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