MADISON, Wis. — New legislative maps have ushered in new lawmakers as a new biennium got underway in Madison this week.

With that being case, it probably doesn’t come as a surprise that Gov. Tony Evers has some new priorities too.

Though we will have a much better sense of the governor’s priorities in the new year after his State of the State address in the coming weeks, and his budget address in February, a recent press briefing has given us a sort of sneak peek as to what he has in mind.

What You Need To Know

  • Gov. Evers plans to propose a bigger funding boost for schools, calling it a “joke” to assume districts can get by on the current increase

  • The governor also told reporters he plans to do whatever he can to avoid mass deportations amid an incoming Trump administration

  • As $125 million in funds, meant to fight PFAS contamination, have yet to be released, Gov. Evers said he will “do anything” to get them spent as Republicans plan to reintroduce legislation

  • When it comes to a top budget priority, Gov. Evers said his approach will be “multifaceted” as several things must happen for the state to thrive economically

In response to Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos’ belief that schools will be able get by on the spending boost they already got, Evers called it a “joke.”

“There’s going to be more money, period, for schools,” Gov. Evers added.

While we will have to wait to find out how much the governor wants, Wisconsin State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jill Underly has made a historic, multi-billion dollar ask, as Gov. Evers crafts his proposal.

Immigration will also be front and center as another Trump administration is on the horizon. Gov. Evers told reporters he plans to do whatever he can to avoid mass deportations, especially with immigrants being an estimated 70% of the labor force on Wisconsin dairy farms.

“Think about that, how in the hell would we continue to be the dairy state when there’s nobody there to milk the cows and do the other important work,” Gov. Evers said.

Meanwhile, $125 million in funds to combat PFAS contamination, set aside in the last state budget, have went on unspent.

With Republicans getting ready to reintroduce proposals, Gov. Evers said he stands ready.

“I’ll do anything to get it done,” Gov. Evers explained. “Whatever I signed into law, doesn’t really happen because Joint Finance decides to hang onto that money. That’s wrong, that’s why we’re in court.”

When it comes to the upcoming two-year budget, the governor said he doesn’t have just one top priority.

“In order for us to thrive as a state, economically, and that has to be an overall goal, there’s more than one thing that has to happen,” Gov. Evers said. “Part of that is affordable housing, part of that is tax relief, part of that is making sure our public schools are strong.”

Whatever Gov. Evers ends up pursing, it could impact next year’s gubernatorial election.

“Of course, I’ll think about all those things, but it ain’t gonna be right today,” Gov. Evers responded when asked if he plans to seek reelection in 2026.

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