Governor Evers Discusses Help Provided to Farmers During State of the State Address

Friday, February 18th, 2022 -- 8:00 AM

(Wisconsin Ag Connection) Although he didn't use his annual address to the Wisconsin Legislature to bring up many new ideas for agriculture specifically, Gov. Tony Evers did highlight the importance of helping out farmers with federal stimulus dollars during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the Wisconsin Ag Connection, during his fourth State of the State Address on Tuesday evening, the governor reminded lawmakers that over $1 billion in American Rescue Plan funding was used to support small businesses, farmers, and tourism during the past year.

"I directed $100 million to support Wisconsin farmers through our Farm Support Program. In one round alone, we were able to help more than 20,000 farmers, and in more than half of Wisconsin's 72 counties, our support for farmers through this program exceeded $1 million," Evers said.

Meanwhile, Evers did say he will be calling the Legislature to meet in a special session to take up his plan to use a portion of the state's $3.8 billion projected surplus to send a $150 refund to every Wisconsin resident.

He further intends to extend the University of Wisconsin's tuition freeze for one more year. He also plans to sign an executive order to create a Blue Ribbon Commission on Veteran Opportunity to develop new, innovative initiatives to support the more than 300,000 veterans who live in the state.

And the governor unveiled his idea for a program called the 'Get Kids Ahead' initiative, which would invest $15 million into additional mental health services in Wisconsin schools.

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