[Madison, WI] – Last night, Governor Evers delivered his seventh State of the State address. State Representative Calvin Callahan (R-Tomahawk) released the following statement in response:

“The governor’s address comes after a legislative session in which he vetoed multiple Republican efforts to provide tax relief for Wisconsinites. Republicans passed a budget that included the largest tax cut in state history – over $4.4 billion. We even had a bill on the governor’s desk to exempt retirement income that he vetoed. The truth of the matter is that Wisconsin’s low tax burden is the result of over a decade of responsible budgeting by legislative Republicans.

“Governor Evers also highlighted additional funding for K-12 education. However, in the last session alone, $1 billion in new funding was directed to classrooms statewide. This year, I have heard from taxpayers in my district about skyrocketing property taxes. Due to the governor’s 400-year veto, property owners face increased tax burdens through the year 2425. Meanwhile, despite these funding increases, state test scores continue to decline. Instead of writing more blank checks, we must focus on accountability in education.

“I was disappointed, but not surprised, that the governor failed to address illegal immigration in our state. Since 2022, hundreds of migrants form Central and South America have arrived in Whitewater, Wisconsin, straining the community’s local resources. I do not want to see that happen anywhere in our neck of the woods. Legislative Republicans will work with President Trump to ensure law enforcement agencies across the state cooperate with ICE to deport criminals and individuals here illegally.

“When I was first elected in 2020, my top priority was, and still is, ensuring that the 35th Assembly District remains a place where families can live, work, and raise your families. A strong economy is vital to this vision. Yet, Governor Evers has opposed our efforts to combat the workforce shortage and support small businesses. He vetoed welfare reform initiatives that would have helped able-bodied individuals rejoin the workforce and refocused welfare back on being a temporary helping hand, not a permanent government handout. My Republican colleagues and I remain committed to making Wisconsin a more prosperous and attractive place for us all.

“Lastly, the cost and availability of childcare remain significant challenges for families across Wisconsin. Much of the 35th District is a ‘childcare desert,’ where options are limited or unaffordable. Constituents tell me this burden often forces parents out of the workforce, further exacerbating the labor shortage. Despite the state allocating over $960 million for childcare – including $90 million in new resources last session – Governor Evers vetoed a $15 million revolving loan fund that would have expanded childcare capacity. This session, we will again pursue a multi-pronged, targeted approach to support families and childcare providers, prioritizing those with the greatest need.

“As your state representative, my vision for the 35th Assembly District – and the state as a whole – is one of opportunity, accountability, and prosperity. I remain committed to ensuring that our community is a place where families can live, work, and succeed for generations to come. By supporting small businesses, addressing workforce challenges, holding government accountable, and advocating for common-sense policies, we can build a stronger future for everyone in Wisconsin.”