Madison – Representative Barbara Dittrich (R – Oconomowoc) released the following statement on Governor Evers’ State of the State Address last night:

“While I would like to tell my constituents that things have changed in Madison, the Governor’s State of the State speech on Wednesday night clearly demonstrated that things remain the same. Several statements the Governor made were puzzling, to say the least.

“The Governor frequently quotes ‘the will of the people is the law of the land,’ yet he has already gone to war with the President that the people of Wisconsin sent to the White House in November. It was heartbreaking to hear him imply that he wants people who are in the country illegally to remain untouched by the federal government so that he can have cheap labor in our state.

“He declared it ‘The Year of the Kid,’ yet his largest applause line from his side of the aisle was about killing kids in the womb up to birth. He further emphasized his willingness to let kids be exposed to things that are not age appropriate and life altering. Not once did he mention parents and even stated that it’s the government’s responsibility to take care of children when they’re not in school.

“While I share the Governor’s concerns regarding mental health, not one of his proclamations on gun control would have prevented the school shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison nor the tragic suicide of former Representative Brosthoff.

“Republicans are ready to work with Governor Evers where we can, but the Governor’s comments last night indicate that we may continue to face difficulties working in a bipartisan fashion.