Here & Now

Evers, Vos and Wisconsin Legislature Kick Off 2023 Session

Tony Evers:

I’m Tony Evers, and yes, I am jazzed as hell to be sworn in again as the 46th governor of the great state of Wisconsin.

[applause]

Zac Schultz:

Democrat Tony Evers took the oath of office, looking to set a new tone for his second term as governor. He framed his win in November as a victory for democracy, not just Democrats.

Tony Evers:

Wisconsin rejected a rhetoric born out of apathy and animosity towards our neighbor, and Wisconsin rejected a return to the bitter politics of resentment.

Zac Schultz:

He used his inaugural address to lay out how voters expect a return to bipartisanship and compromise, with a democratic point of view.

Tony Evers:

People voted because they believe as I do, that when we deliver tax relief, it should be targeted to the middle class to give working families a little breathing room in their family budget, not to give big breaks to millionaires and billionaires.

Zac Schultz:

After the ceremony in the rotunda, members of the legislature were sworn in with Republicans in commanding control of both chambers.

Robin Vos:

So help me God.

Zac Schultz:

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos also spoke about compromise.

Robin Vos:

So if you come from the far left or the far right, please always remember in this institution, the middle 90% of the body is where things get done, not on the fringe.

Zac Schultz:

He, too, spoke about tax reform, from a Republican point of view.

Robin Vos:

When I look at our tax climate, I see that all around us are flat taxes in Iowa, Michigan, Illinois.

Zac Schultz:

Governor Evers previewed the next two years when he said the inaugural called for a party, but the real work was yet to come.

Tony Evers:

Wisconsin, we love you. Let’s polka tonight and get to work tomorrow.