MADISON, Wis. — Good roads, good schools and good health care are just some of the issues Gov. Tony Evers is prioritizing in his second term.
However, to reach those accomplishments, he can't do it alone. A message the governor shared with hundreds of people gathered for his inaugural address Tuesday in the rotunda of the state Capitol.
The speech heavily focused on the principles of democracy, as well as finding a way to move the Badger State forward together.
“As jazzed as I am today, I am also humbled,” Gov. Evers told the crowd.
The governor went on to thank Wisconsinites for the trust, faith and confidence that won him a second term.
“To take the oath as governor, an oath only 45 people have taken before me, is an extraordinary privilege,” Gov. Evers said. “And not just because a so-called ‘boring’ former science teacher managed to end up here, but because each time this oath is taken is a profound display of democracy.”
Though democracy will remain divided, Gov. Evers said the outcome of November's election sent a message.
“Wisconsin rejected a rhetoric born out of apathy and animosity toward our neighbors,” Gov. Evers said. “And Wisconsin rejected a return to the bitter politics of resentment.”
During his speech, the governor also acknowledged that not everyone agrees with him, or his beliefs.
“They might’ve cast their ballot for me, but they cast their ballot for democracy, too,” Gov. Evers said.
Only time will tell if compromise between the governor and Republican-controlled legislature actually happens, but the bar seems to be high.
Gov. Evers holds the record for the most vetoes, having axed 126 bills in the last session. The figure breaks a previous record of 90 bills, which was set during the 1927 session.