Evers Declares 2025 Year of the Kid in State of the State Address

January 24, 2025

Governor Tony Evers took the stage at the Wisconsin State Capitol on January 22, 2025, where he delivered his eagerly awaited State of the State address. In a wide-ranging speech, Evers laid out a comprehensive plan centered on advancing the welfare of Wisconsin residents, with a sharp focus on education and violence prevention. The Governor made it clear that 2025 would be the “Year of the Kid,” marking his administration’s renewed dedication to the youth of Wisconsin, while emphasizing the need for bipartisan cooperation to achieve these goals.

Significant Investments in Education

Evers commenced his address by acknowledging Wisconsin’s recent strides, such as economic growth and the enacting of fair legislative maps in February 2024. These maps have successfully altered the political landscape, increasing Democratic representation, and potentially setting the scene for a Democratic majority in 2026. However, the central theme of the Governor’s speech was on education, underscoring the critical investments planned for K-12 education throughout 2025. Highlighting the inadequacies in the current system, Evers called for bipartisan initiatives aimed at making substantial changes in various sectors affecting children.

Among the key educational initiatives is “Healthy Meals, Healthy Kids,” a program aimed at eradicating school meal debt and ensuring that every child has access to nutritious meals, irrespective of their financial background. The program seeks to eliminate the stigma associated with free school meals, thereby encouraging all students to benefit from it. Additionally, Evers stressed the pressing need to lower childcare costs, address lead exposure in school infrastructure, and enhance mental health services for children. By channeling significant resources into these areas, the Governor hopes to create a more supportive and enriching environment for Wisconsin’s youth.

Addressing Violence Prevention and Gun Safety

In light of recent troubling incidents, violence prevention emerged as a pivotal issue in Evers’ address. To tackle this pressing concern, the Governor announced the establishment of the Office of Violence Prevention. This new office will work collaboratively with government entities, school districts, nonprofits, and other organizations to formulate a unified strategy to reduce crime and violence statewide. Emphasizing the importance of sustainable efforts, Evers assured that continuous funding for the office would be incorporated into the next state budget.

Gun safety was another crucial aspect of the violence prevention agenda. Referring to a recent school shooting and the increasing number of gun-related deaths, Evers underscored the need for comprehensive measures like universal background checks and the implementation of a “red flag law” designed to restrict firearm access for domestic abusers. He further advocated for the SAFE program, which allows individuals to temporarily restrict their own ability to purchase firearms, and the reintroduction of the 48-hour waiting period for firearm acquisitions. Evers also highlighted the availability of mental health resources, such as the crisis hotline 9-8-8, as vital components in supporting the well-being of the community.

Commitment to Bipartisanship and Protection of Rights

Evers placed significant emphasis on bipartisanship and urged Republican legislators to collaborate on key legislative measures aimed at enhancing the lives of Wisconsinites. He stressed that overcoming political stagnation was imperative for progress and called for concerted efforts to achieve the administration’s outlined goals. The Governor reiterated his commitment to work with any parties acting in the best interest of the state’s residents, while also making it clear that he would not waver on core values.

Reproductive healthcare also featured prominently in Evers’ speech, with the Governor pledging to safeguard women’s autonomy in making healthcare decisions free from political interference. In addition, he expressed staunch support for LGBTQ+ communities in Wisconsin, vowing to veto any legislation that might undermine the state’s values of safety, inclusivity, or a welcoming culture. His address culminated in a pledge to employ all available means to defend these marginalized groups from discrimination and ensure their protection.

Conclusion and Next Steps

On January 22, 2025, Governor Tony Evers addressed the audience at the Wisconsin State Capitol with his highly anticipated State of the State speech. The Governor detailed a broad agenda aimed at improving the lives of the people of Wisconsin, placing significant emphasis on education and violence reduction. He proclaimed that 2025 would be the “Year of the Kid,” highlighting his administration’s renewed commitment to the youth of Wisconsin.

Governor Evers emphasized that addressing the challenges facing the state’s youth is a top priority, underscoring the importance of bipartisan cooperation to achieve meaningful progress. He stressed that by working together across party lines, Wisconsin could implement effective policies that focus on enhancing educational opportunities and ensuring the safety and well-being of children and communities. Throughout his speech, Governor Evers conveyed that unity and collaboration are essential to driving the state forward, creating a better future for all residents.

Subscribe to our weekly news digest.

Join now and become a part of our fast-growing community.

Invalid Email Address
Thanks for Subscribing!
We'll be sending you our best soon!
Something went wrong, please try again later