Madison… Senator Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan) issued the following statement in reaction to the annual State of the State address. The address was presented virtually, for the first time ever, by Governor Evers on January 12th where he revealed his agenda for 2021.

“Governor Evers outlined many issues I hope we can continue to work collaboratively on including investing in our rural communities, supporting our small businesses, and making sure our children receive the high-quality education they deserve. Wisconsinites are struggling in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and I hope that even under divided government, we can come together.

“Two provisions the governor placed emphasis on was broadband access and the unemployment system. These are two issues my office has received hundreds of contacts on this past year. We have been asking the governor to address both of these issues for months. The transition to working from home and virtual school instruction has been very difficult for our rural schools, communities and families, and on top of that, some of those families have been struggling to get any response from the Department of Workforce Development on their unemployment claims. I welcome any ideas to address these issues and will take a hard look at what the governor proposed tonight.

“As we continue to respond to this pandemic and its effects, I look forward to my new role on the Joint Committee on Finance. I will work to ensure we responsibly invest in state programs and services. The state has already spent nearly $2 billion dollars in our response to the coronavirus, and we want to make sure the money spent is actually helping those who need it the most.

“I look forward to hearing from constituents with their view of Governor Evers’ address.”

To watch the State of the State address, visit WisconsinEye.

To reach Sen. Ballweg with questions or comments please call (608) 266-0751 or email Sen.Ballweg@legis.wi.gov. The 14th Senate District is located in Central Wisconsin, and is composed of parts of Adams, Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Juneau, Marquette, Outagamie, Sauk, Waupaca, and Waushara counties.

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