Democratic Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers vetoed 41 bills on Friday, including a $3 billion tax cut, political loyalty pledges in higher education, and a proposed wolf hunt plan. Evers, governing alongside a Republican-dominated Legislature, has vetoed the most bills of any governor in Wisconsin history. However, he did sign off on $400,000 in Holocaust education spending and an increase in mental health crisis center prevalence across the state. Evers’ actions reflect his commitment to certain values and priorities, while also signaling his disagreement with some of the legislative initiatives.
Among the bills signed by Evers was a bipartisan measure to provide $400,000 supporting Holocaust education in Wisconsin schools, in compliance with a 2021 law requiring teaching about the Holocaust in grades 5 through 12 statewide. Additionally, Evers approved a bill designed to increase the number of mental health crisis centers in the state, addressing an important aspect of public health and well-being. These actions demonstrate Evers’ support for education and mental health initiatives, highlighting his focus on key issues impacting the people of Wisconsin.
In response to a bill aimed at prohibiting higher education institutions from conditioning employment and admission decisions on diversity statements, Evers chose to veto it, stating that the bill was unnecessary given the current lack of such spoken loyalty pledges in higher education in Wisconsin. This move aligns with Evers’ commitment to values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and counters broader efforts to restrict these initiatives on university campuses. Similarly, Evers vetoed a bill allowing school boards to hire superintendents without a license from the state education department, citing the need for standards in the position overseeing school operations.
Evers also signed a bill allowing fees to be charged for redacting recorded audio and video content provided under open records requests, a measure that drew opposition from media organizations and open records advocates. Additionally, Evers vetoed a proposed GOP tax cut bill, deeming it fiscally irresponsible and highlighting his focus on meeting the state’s basic obligations like funding schools and prisons. Evers did, however, sign a more limited, bipartisan tax cut expanding the state’s child care tax credit earlier in the month.
One of the bills Evers vetoed would have required state wildlife managers to set a firm numeric goal for the state’s wolf population, a measure supported by hunting advocates but opposed by Evers who cited complex considerations and objected to legislative micromanaging of the Department of Natural Resources. With his actions on various bills, Evers continues to navigate the challenges of governing in a divided political landscape, asserting his priorities and values while also seeking to address the needs and interests of the people of Wisconsin.
