Governor Evers statement on the failure of referenda

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today released a statement regarding Wisconsinites’ rejection of two constitutional amendments added by Republican lawmakers to the August primary ballot in an effort to erode checks and balances and the ability of the governor of Wisconsin to accept and allocate federal funds on behalf of the state:

“My administration stabilized and rebuilt Wisconsin’s economy from the ground up during the worst economic crisis in a decade and the worst public health emergency in a century. And the proof of our hard work is in the pudding. In recent years, Wisconsin’s seen the largest surplus in state history, historically low unemployment, a record-high number of Wisconsinites employed, the most capital investments from businesses in over a decade, and so much more.

“Our economic recovery didn’t happen by accident—it happened in large part because my administration and I made smart, strategic decisions that not only responded to immediate needs and crises but looked toward the future to build a better, safer, and stronger economy and state. We worked quickly to respond to a global crisis expeditiously, effectively, and efficiently even as other branches of government, at best, consistently failed to meet that moment and, at worst, actively sought to make our work more difficult.

“I am incredibly proud of the investments I’ve directed to support farmers, working families, and small businesses, expand high-speed internet, help prevent child care costs from getting any higher, improve community safety, provide school-based mental health services for kids, and invest in economic development projects that will benefit communities across our state for generations. 

“Each and every family who’s been able to keep up on rent and access child care, farmers and producers who’ve continued putting food on the tables here in Wisconsin and the world over, small businesses who’ve been able to keep their doors open, healthcare workers who needed PPE to continue caring for our loved ones and families, first responders who’ve been able to hire more staff and get the supplies they need, schools and communities statewide who we’ve helped make ends meet—they know what we’ve done for them personally because they’ve seen it firsthand.

“This was a referendum on our administration’s work and the future for Wisconsin we’ve been working hard to build together, and the answer is reflected in the people’s vote tonight.”