Governor Evers lays out economic message during Wisconsin Bankers' Association Luncheon

MADISON (CBS 58) -- Governor Tony Evers continues to lay out his priorities during his first week in office.

Wednesday, Evers was the guest speaker at the Wisconsin Bankers’ Association Luncheon. It was his first opportunity to speak directly to the state’s business community since taking office.

“When you’re successful the state of Wisconsin is successful,” Evers said.

Evers said while he’s prioritizing the state’s economy, things like education, transportation and health care are also at the top of his list. The governor emphasized the phrase “connecting the dots” when expressing how increases in public education funding may lead to better schools for students and therefore set them up for better career paths in the business world.

“All these things impact the economy of the state of Wisconsin,” Evers said.

In order to accomplish his goals, Governor Evers says he and the Republican-controlled legislature must work together.

“Once we get together and find common ground on these issues, the state of Wisconsin will be better off,” Evers said.

Sen. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) agrees. Marklein, who sits on the Joint Committee on Finance, was in attendance for the governor’s speech Wednesday.

“The governor certainly had a conciliatory tone, he wants to work together on the key issues,” Marklein told CBS 58 News. “I’m hopeful, I’m optimistic that we can work with the governor.”

A busy first week for the governor continues with a visit to a DMV office in Wausau Thursday. On Friday, Governor Evers says he will visit the Lincoln Hills juvenile prison where he hopes to meet with staff and people incarcerated there.