Gov. Evers calls for unity, compromise during second inaugural address

 

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Democratic Governor Tony Evers laid out a primarily progressive agenda and expressed a desire to work with the Republican-led Legislature during his second inaugural address at the state Capitol Tuesday.

The ceremony kicks off the start of the 2023-2024 legislative session with 31 lawmakers, including constitutional officers, taking the oath of office.

The event itself is largely ceremonial, but it does provide a glimpse of Gov. Evers' priorities during his second term to fully fund K-12 schools, protect abortion rights, and expand Medicaid, all issues Republican leaders previously opposed.

During his speech, Evers said his reelection proved people want unity instead of division and noted some people cast their ballot "feeling the weight of a republic on the brink."

"Wisconsin rejected a return to the bitter politics of resentment," Evers said. "Given the opportunity to further enable cynicism and hate, Wisconsinites chose kindness, and they chose hope instead."

Evers also discussed key items he wants to accomplish and repeated many themes he spoke about on the campaign trail including providing tax relief for the middle-class.

"People voted because they believe, as I do, that when we deliver tax relief, it should be targeted to the middle class to give working families a little breathing room in their family budget, not to give big breaks to millionaires and billionaires who don’t need the extra help to afford rising costs," said Evers.

Top Republicans have suggested implementing a flat tax, but Evers has signaled he would veto such a plan.

Evers' address, which also focused on working together with the GOP-controlled Legislature, was not well received by Republican leaders.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) and Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg) both called Evers' prepared remarks partisan because he renewed calls for BadgerCare expansion, repealing the state's 1849 abortion ban, and providing tax relief for the middle-class.

"It was an interesting speech," LeMahieu said. "He [Evers] talked about working together but all of his ideas were highly partisan issues. I'm not sure how that's actually working together."

Vos said Evers' speech was similar to his rhetoric on the campaign trail and had hoped he would have mentioned more areas of compromise.

"I hope that he will revisit what his priorities are so we can get things actually accomplished rather than political posturing," Vos said.

Evers did mention finding bipartisanship on job training and apprenticeship programs, combating PFAS in drinking water, and transportation issues.

Vos said his top priorities this session include tax relief, attracting more businesses, and addressing achievement gaps in schools that worsened during the pandemic.

There will be much more discussion about these issues over the next few months when both sides debate on how to spend the state's unprecedented $6.6 billion surplus.

Evers will also talk more in-depth about his goals during his State of the State and Budget Address.