MADISON, WI (WTAQ) – With an oath and a speech, the Tony Evers Era got underway.
Evers focused on civility and common ground in his short inaugural address.
Evers thanked Governor Scott Walker for his time as Governor but said he is ready to get to work.
“The people of Wisconsin demanding a change this November, and that change is coming.”
The newly elected Governor said that means finding a way to work with the Republican leaders in the state.
“We have gotten away from who we are and the values that make Wisconsin great, not Democratic or Republican values, but our Wisconsin values. “What unites us is far far greater than what divides us.”
Evers called for fully funding public schools at every level, affordable healthcare and improving Wisconsin roads. All were part of his campaign promises.
“We have become content with division. We have become indifferent to resentment and governing by retribution. Folks, this is bigger than me. This is about the people of Wisconsin. It is about setting aside political interests and personal ambitions to work together on solving problems.”
Evers ended his speech by saying today is a day to party and tomorrow is a day in the office.
“Let’s polka tonight and get to work tomorrow.”
Evers is the 46th Governor in Wisconsin. Five past Governors, including Governor Scott Walker, was in attendance.
Many Wisconsin lawmakers took time to make statements on the era in Wisconsin.
Democrat State Representative Gordon Hintz
“I, along with the people of Wisconsin, welcome Governor Tony Evers and Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes as they were sworn into to office earlier today,” Rep. Hintz stated. “I am hopeful that the political divisions of the past eight years can now begin to heal. Governor Evers’ message of working together to improve the lives of Wisconsin families is powerful and needed at this moment in our state’s history. Assembly Democrats stand ready to work with the Evers’ Administration to promote affordable and accessible health care, fully funding public education, and fixing our transportation infrastructure.”
Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Schilling
“My Senate Democratic colleagues and I are committed to working with Gov. Tony Evers and focusing on the important issues at hand. We will deliver on Gov. Evers’ plan to improve health care, strengthen schools, fix our roads and invest in pro-growth policies to build up the middle class. We recognize that these aren’t Democratic or Republican issues. They’re Wisconsin issues and we must find ways to work together on these key priorities.”
“I am thrilled to welcome Governor Tony Evers and Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes as we usher in a new era in Wisconsin history. Today marks a fresh start to move past political battles and build a new path forward that focuses on improving health care, strengthening schools, and fixing roads. Gov. Evers has built a team from across the state that brings diverse experience and knowledge to the table and I know they are ready for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”
Republican State Representative John Nygren says they need to keep doing what was working.
“Our reforms over the last few legislative sessions are working, and I am proud of theimprovements we’ve made. The numbers don’t lie, our unemployment rate continues to be thelowest it has been in years, at the same time, the tax burden is the lowest it has been in over 50years. These results show our conservative reforms are working. Now is not the time to undo ourreforms and I look forward to continuing our work in the next session.”
