Evers Takes “Year of the Kid” Message on the Road Across Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (Civic Media) — Gov. Tony Evers has a statewide tour Thursday following his 2025 State of the State address, visiting Rhinelander, Oshkosh, and Milwaukee to discuss efforts to lower costs for working families.

In his seventh annual address Wednesday night, Evers declared 2025 “The Year of the Kid,” outlining initiatives aimed at supporting Wisconsin’s children and families. The governor called for investments in childcare, free school meals, and expanded youth mental health support in public schools.

The governor’s first stop is in Rhinelander, where he and Department of Children and Families Secretary Jeff Pertl will host a roundtable discussion at The Morgue Coffee Co.

In the afternoon, Evers will travel to Oshkosh and convene another community roundtable at New Moon Cafe, situated on N. Main Street.

The final stop of the day is in Milwaukee, where Evers and Secretary Pertl will tour El Rey Foods.

Evers proposed the “Healthy Meals, Healthy Kids” initiative to provide free meals to all school children and end school meal debt. He also advocated for robust gun reform, including universal background checks and red flag laws.

Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos criticized Evers’ proposals as increased spending, arguing for tax cuts instead.

Evers is scheduled to deliver his budget address on February 18, where he will provide more details on his proposed initiatives.