MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — It didn’t take long for members of the Wisconsin state legislature to weigh in after Democratic Gov. Tony Evers delivered his fifth state of the state address Tuesday night.
State Rep. Lori Palmeri, D-54th District, says the speech laid out a solid foundation for the Evers’ administration and an overview of the biennial budget.
“This is an excellent plan going forward and so many numbers were thrown out tonight. It’s exciting for our families here in Wisconsin and moving forward,” said Palmeri. “This is a momentous occasion. I’m still trying to absorb it all; it’s absolutely incredible.”
“It was really great to hear him map out exactly what he’s accomplished in the last four years and more importantly what we have to look forward to in the budget address,” said State Rep. Lee Snodgrass, D- 57th District.
Palmeri and Snodgrass say it was a strong start to Evers’ second term.
But some Republicans in the Legislature felt the speech didn’t cover all of the important issues facing Wisconsin.
“This was sort of a budget speech; it was mostly about numbers,” said State Sen. Robert Cowles, R-2nd District. “I wish it would’ve talked about a few other things but it didn’t. And I’m concerned about safety. I think we’ve got to get our arms around that, and I don’t think the governor — he did not emphasize that.
Cowles felt the speech didn’t go in depth enough on some important issues. He wasn’t alone in his analysis of the speech. State Sen. André Jacque, R-1st District, had a similar reaction.
“These things do tend to take on a little bit of a political pep rally sort of feel, but, I mean, I guess the governor gets to take a victory lap after the election,” said Jacque. “Certainly, a lot of details are lacking at this point, but those will get fleshed out in the budget address.”
Both sides feel differently about the contents of the speech, but each showed signs of optimism for making progress in 2023.
“I remain pretty hopeful. I’m a Democrat in the minority. I have every reason to sort of have a negative view on what we might be able to do, but I really think we’re going to be accomplishing things,” said Snodgrass. “I think you’re going to see people reaching across the aisle.”
“There’s opportunities to make progress,” said Cowles. “This is when you get down to business and really start digging in.”
Evers will give his biennial budget speech on Feb. 15.
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