MADISON – In reaction to Governor Evers’ 2022 State of the State address, delivered in Madison moments ago, State Rep. David Bowen (D-Milwaukee) released the following statement:
“Tonight, Governor Evers made it clear to everyone listening that the state of our state’s economy is strong, thanks to his leadership and guidance. It’s no secret that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its ensuing economic fallout have been difficult on our state, but Governor Evers has consistently put Wisconsin in the best possible position to bounce back stronger than ever.
Over the past year, Governor Evers has been an excellent steward of the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars delivered to our state by President Biden and only Democrats in Congress – despite Republican attempts to irresponsibly use those ARPA funds to finance their wishlist items, Governor Evers has consistently made wise and targeted investments in Wisconsin’s businesses and families while laying the groundwork for a long-term economic recovery. From workforce development, to broadband infrastructure, to our veterans and military personnel, to hundreds of transportation projects completed, to rural health care and student mental health, Governor Evers has made the investments necessary to help Wisconsinites succeed.
And the economy especially has responded: unemployment has fallen to a historically low level of 2.8%, even better than it was pre-pandemic, and the Legislative Fiscal Bureau has announced a projected budget surplus of $3.8 billion, another historic first. Added to the state’s largest-ever ‘rainy day fund’ of $1.7 billion, that’s over $5 billion dollars that our state has to help fund future programs, services, and tax relief for Wisconsin’s working families.
Even with Wisconsin Republicans attempting to obstruct him at every turn, Governor Evers has managed yet again to deliver for Wisconsin businesses and families in every corner of the state. From Kenosha to Superior, from Marinette to Platteville, the state of our state is even better than the Governor found it. After these past four years, it’s been fully proven that even under the toughest circumstances, Governor Evers’ Democratic leadership has worked for all of us.”
