Mar 06 2025 3 mins
Wisconsin's political landscape is evolving as Governor Tony Evers delivered his 2025 State of the State address, emphasizing bipartisan progress on key issues like justice system reform, infrastructure improvements, and education funding[1]. The state's economy is projected to see modest growth in 2025, with personal income expected to rise by 4.6% nominally and 2.5% in real terms[2]. However, employment growth is forecasted to slow to 0.4%, with 82,867 new jobs created between 2023 and 2025[2].
In environmental news, Wisconsin is preparing for potential climate migration due to its status as a "climate haven"[3]. The state has seen increased precipitation and higher temperatures in recent decades, raising concerns about floods and heat waves. Despite these challenges, Wisconsin remains an attractive destination for those seeking refuge from more severe climate impacts elsewhere.
The state's budget process is underway, with Governor Evers unveiling his 2025-27 executive budget proposal. The $119 billion two-year budget calls for increased education spending, including $3.15 billion for K-12 education and $856 million for the University of Wisconsin system[6]. Republicans have expressed opposition to the proposal, citing concerns about increased spending and tax hikes[6].
Wisconsin's tax revenues showed a 5.2% increase during the first half of fiscal year 2025, rising from $9.2 billion to $9.7 billion[7]. This growth was led by an 8.4% increase in individual income taxes, while sales tax revenue growth has slowed due to cooling inflation.
January 2025 brought extreme weather conditions to Wisconsin, with temperatures swinging from a bitter cold snap to record-breaking warmth[8]. The state also faced persistent drought conditions in southeastern and northern regions, leading to an unusually high number of wildfires for mid-winter[8].
In education news, hundreds of Milwaukee families have been forced to relocate their students to a new school after high lead levels were discovered at Troit School[10]. The Milwaukee Health Department is working to address the issue, but it remains unclear when the affected school will reopen.
Looking ahead, Wisconsin faces equal chances for above-, near-, or below-normal temperatures and precipitation in the coming months[8]. The state legislature will continue to debate budget proposals and address pressing issues such as education funding and environmental challenges. Additionally, the impact of potential climate migration on Wisconsin's communities and resources will likely remain a topic of discussion and planning in the near future.
In environmental news, Wisconsin is preparing for potential climate migration due to its status as a "climate haven"[3]. The state has seen increased precipitation and higher temperatures in recent decades, raising concerns about floods and heat waves. Despite these challenges, Wisconsin remains an attractive destination for those seeking refuge from more severe climate impacts elsewhere.
The state's budget process is underway, with Governor Evers unveiling his 2025-27 executive budget proposal. The $119 billion two-year budget calls for increased education spending, including $3.15 billion for K-12 education and $856 million for the University of Wisconsin system[6]. Republicans have expressed opposition to the proposal, citing concerns about increased spending and tax hikes[6].
Wisconsin's tax revenues showed a 5.2% increase during the first half of fiscal year 2025, rising from $9.2 billion to $9.7 billion[7]. This growth was led by an 8.4% increase in individual income taxes, while sales tax revenue growth has slowed due to cooling inflation.
January 2025 brought extreme weather conditions to Wisconsin, with temperatures swinging from a bitter cold snap to record-breaking warmth[8]. The state also faced persistent drought conditions in southeastern and northern regions, leading to an unusually high number of wildfires for mid-winter[8].
In education news, hundreds of Milwaukee families have been forced to relocate their students to a new school after high lead levels were discovered at Troit School[10]. The Milwaukee Health Department is working to address the issue, but it remains unclear when the affected school will reopen.
Looking ahead, Wisconsin faces equal chances for above-, near-, or below-normal temperatures and precipitation in the coming months[8]. The state legislature will continue to debate budget proposals and address pressing issues such as education funding and environmental challenges. Additionally, the impact of potential climate migration on Wisconsin's communities and resources will likely remain a topic of discussion and planning in the near future.