Takeaways from Gov. Evers State of State Address
MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Gov. Tony Evers during his State of the State address on Wednesday announced proposals to address gun violence, boost mental health services, and urged lawmakers to find a bipartisan solution to address immigration.
His annual speech comes as the Legislature has a projected $4.5 billion state surplus to work with when crafting the 2025-2027 state budget.
Here are some of the key takeaways from Evers speech.
Violence Prevention
During his prime-time address, Evers announced new gun control measures including investments to support crime victims and survivors.
One proposal would exempt gun safes from Wisconsin's sales tax, an effort to encourage more people to secure their firearms.
Another creates a new ‘Self-Assigned Firearm Exclusion’ program, or SAFE, to allow residents to voluntarily add themselves to a list that prevents them from purchasing a gun.
Similar programs have been enacted in other states, including Washington, Virginia, Utah, and Delaware.
Evers also renewed calls for universal background checks, red flag laws, and restoring the 48-hour waiting period to buy a firearm.
"But these actions alone cannot be our only effort to reduce crime and violence and keep our kids, families, and communities safe," Evers said. "Addressing gun violence must be part of our work."
Republican leaders said after the speech they oppose the gun measures.
The governor also announced his budget will include $66 million to support services for crime victims and service providers.
It comes after Evers directed $10 million in federal funding to create a new state agency designed to address gun violence.
GOP lawmakers have signed they will not provide additional funding for the office in the upcoming state budget after questioning how effective it would be.
Immigration
Evers also criticized sweeping immigration executive orders issued by President Donald Trump this week.
"The state of Wisconsin was born of immigrants. But today, there are those who would have us forget this fact," Evers said.
While he didn't mention Trump specifically, Evers did say there "a lot of angst" about what could happen in coming weeks.
"And let’s agree that if you work, obey the law, pay taxes, contribute to our communities, and play by the rules just like everyone else, you should have a fair shot at continuing to pursue the American Dream," he added while also calling on lawmakers to find bipartisan solutions to address immigration.
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) said next week Republicans will introduce a bill that would force law enforcement to cooperate with immigration officials carrying out deportations of those in the country illegally.
Mental Health
The governor also said he'll include nearly $300 million in his state budget for mental health services as he coined 2025 the "Year of the Kid."
The funding would target mental health services in schools including suicide prevention programs and training.
He also highlighted plans to provide free universal school meals and grants to help schools replace water fountains to reduce contaminants.
The package of proposals coined "Healthy Meals, Healthy Kids" would total $154 million.
Childcare
Evers called on the GOP-controlled Legislature to address the rising costs of childcare, calling it "too darn expensive."
He proposed over $500 million aimed at lowering childcare costs and keeping day care centers open.
The governor also renewed calls to permanently fund the Child Care Count program, which provided funding to childcare providers and helped many stay open during the pandemic.
The move could reignite a political battle with Republicans over the future of the program after members on the Joint Finance Committee rejected Evers calls to fund the program in the 2023-2025 budget.
Evers also touted his achievements during the last legislative session including signing a bill to expand the child and dependent care credit, which will provide families with an additional $656 when filing their taxes this year.
Tax Cuts, GOP Response
In the coming weeks, Evers said he would propose plans to "lower costs" but did not elaborate on the details. He plans to unveil more details during his budget address on Feb. 18.
Republican leaders took aim at Evers for not devoting part of his speech on tax cuts. Vos said he plans to introduce a bill that would provide $1,000 in tax relief to every resident.
GOP lawmakers also pushed back on Evers' budget proposals. Vos called them "liberal wishes" that "are not going to happen."
"I'm not sure what planet the governor is living on," said Rep. Tyler August (R-Lake Geneva). "Everything he talked about was a new government program, new spending… I'm really at a loss for words."