MADISON, Wis. — 2025 will be the “Year of the Kid” in Wisconsin as proclaimed by Gov. Tony Evers during his seventh State of the State address on Wednesday night, as he urged Republicans, who control the legislature, to do what’s best for kids in the upcoming budget.

Though the annual speech is usually future focused, Evers wasn’t shy about starting out with what he feels were some of his biggest accomplishments, which he used as the basis to put forth his latest priorities.


What You Need To Know

  • Gov. Tony Evers delivered his seventh State of the State address on Wednesday night during which he declared 2025 the “Year of the Kid” in Wisconsin

  • Aside from pushing for more investments in K-12 education, the governor’s budget proposal will include nearly $300 million to provide comprehensive mental health services in schools across the state

  • The governor’s plans also include addressing lead contamination in schools, providing free school breakfast and lunch to students, as well as supporting the Child Care Counts Program

  • Specific funding proposals will be unveiled when Gov. Evers delivers his biennial budget address on Feb. 18

“Wisconsinites, I begin tonight with good news. Thanks to our work cutting taxes, Wisconsinites are keeping more of your hard-earned income today than at any point in the last 50 years,” Evers told lawmakers gathered in the Assembly Chamber.

The governor, who called it a “bipartisan priority,” took a moment to tout signing one of the largest tax cuts in state history, which Republicans sent to his desk. However, it wasn’t all about the past Wednesday night with Evers ready to roll up his sleeves on other big issues.

“Let’s start treating our state’s mental health crisis with the urgency it requires. Yes, for everyone of every age. But especially for our kids,” Evers said.

Despite a budget address just weeks away, the governor already asked Republicans for $300 million for mental health services in schools statewide after only getting a “fraction” of that, nearly $30 million, in the most recent budget.

“Year after year, we hear the same lip service about wanting to work together,” Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said during the official rebuttal. “He alone decided it was better for government to keep your money. Tonight, Republicans stand united in returning that money to you, the taxpayers, and we will give Gov. Evers another chance to do the same.”

The governor also unveiled his plan to lower out-of-pocket costs for working Wisconsinites.

“Child care is too darn expensive. We have to make child care more affordable and accessible,” Evers explained. “This is as much about doing what is best for our kids as it is doing what is best for parents in our workforce and our economy, too.”

Evers called for investments in child care, a cap on insulin co-pays and removing the sales tax on over-the-counter medications.

“No Wisconsinite should have to choose between paying bills and putting food on the table or getting their life-saving medication,” Evers added. “Accessing health care and picking up basic prescriptions or insulin should not break the bank, folks.”

As for the rest of the dollar amounts the governor would like to attach to his priorities, Wisconsinites will have to wait until Feb. 18 when he delivers his biennial budget address.