January 24, 2025

By Lane Kimble

MADISON, Wis. — Declaring 2025 the “Year of the Kid” in Wisconsin, Gov. Tony Evers laid out his vision for the state’s future Wednesday night.

The governor only used the word “roads” once early on during his 60-minute State of the State speech, noting the work our industry does is truly bipartisan and a key to improving people’s lives.

Still, Gov. Evers alluded to the importance of funding transportation while subtly acknowledging some of the budgetary challenges ahead.

“We must continue to make smart and strategic investments while staying within our means,” Evers said in the speech’s final minute.  “We must continue to invest in needs long neglected while still finding ways to save where we can. And we must continue to go, as ever, forward, together.”

The governor’s annual address before the Assembly, Senate, state Supreme Court, and special dignitaries, allows him to set the stage for releasing a biennial budget plan in February.

Evers spent most of this speech prioritizing schools, mental health, childcare, and gun safety.

Transportation funding will certainly be a major talking point moving forward.  Legislative Fiscal Bureau reports released earlier in the week detail a significant Transportation Fund shortfall to the tune of about $1 billion.

“Governor Evers’ administration has been an advocate for the work our members do since day one in office,” WTBA Executive Director Steve Baas said.  “I’m confident his budget plans next month will place transportation system development front and center because it truly impacts everyone, kids and adults alike.

“WTBA staff is already working with lawmakers to drive this point home and find long term fixes to pay for our roads, bridges, and highways.”