Office of Governor Tony Evers *FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:?*December 28, 2023 Contact:[email protected]? ? *2023 Roundup: Gov. Evers Completes Annual 72-County Tour of Wisconsin* ? MADISON ? Gov. Tony Evers today announced that he has once again visited each of Wisconsin?s 72 counties in 2023, completing his fourth 72-county tour since taking office in 2019. Gov. Evers has visited all 72 Wisconsin counties in a year at least four times each since becoming governor, including in 2019, 2021, 2022, and now, 2023, as well as several counties in 2020 before the pandemic prevented travel for most of the year.?

?The best and most important part of my job as governor is meeting with Wisconsinites where they?re at?their homes, communities, small businesses, schools and campuses, farms, and hospitals and clinics, and so much more?to hear about the issues that matter most to our state and find solutions to the challenges we face. An important part of that work is hearing from Wisconsinites in every corner of our state, and I?m proud this is my fourth 72-county tour of Wisconsin during my time as governor,? said Gov. Evers.?

?I?m incredibly grateful to all of the Wisconsinites who?ve welcomed me over the last year to their classrooms and campuses, small businesses, organizations, and everywhere in between. Our conversations together are why I?ll never stop working to do the right thing for Wisconsin and the people of our state, and I look forward to continuing our work to build the future we want for our state in 2024,? Gov. Evers concluded.?

Gov. Evers started the year by declaring 2023 ?The Year of Mental Health? at his fifth annual State of the State Address [ [link removed] ] in January, and in February, went on to propose significant investments in mental and behavioral healthcare, child care, public education, high-speed internet, the state?s workforce, and ensuring Wisconsinites have access to clean, safe drinking water, among other measures in his 2023-25 Budget Message [ [link removed] ]. Throughout the year, Gov. Evers has traveled the state, meeting with Wisconsinites from all different backgrounds to hear about the good work they?re doing in their communities, the challenges they may be facing, and how the state can better support them. This included visiting dozens of child care centers as part of his special session call [ [link removed] ] of the Legislature to invest in the Child Care Counts Program and pass a meaningful, comprehensive plan to address the state?s longstanding, generational workforce challenges. The governor also visited schools [ [link removed] ] across the state to welcome students, teachers, and faculty back to school for the 2023-24 school year and embarked on his annual statewide ?Pothole Patrol? tour [ [link removed] ], fixing Wisconsin?s roads with state and local public works and transportation professionals. Finally, the governor helped promote key wins for Wisconsin industries by taking part in events like?National Tourism and Travel Week [ [link removed] ] and celebrating the state?s record-breaking year for tourism [ [link removed] ],?outdoor recreation [ [link removed] ], and?apprenticeship [ [link removed] ].

Brief highlights from some of Gov. Evers? stops in each county are available below.?

*Adams*
On December 4, Gov. Evers visited Family Health La Clinica in Friendship to participate in a discussion with staff regarding mental and behavioral health. During his 2023 State of the State Address, the governor?declared [ [link removed] ]?2023 the Year of Mental Health, calling the state of mental health in Wisconsin a burgeoning crisis affecting Wisconsin?s kids, families, and workforce. Photos of the event are available here [ [link removed] ].

*Ashland*?
On January 25, a day after delivering his 2023 State of the State Address, Gov. Evers, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Amy Pechacek, and Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Emilie Amundson visited Ashland High School to learn more about the school?s mental health initiatives. Ashland High School has been a statewide leader in their efforts to provide mental health resources and teach resilience to their students through programs like Project AWARE [ [link removed] ]. Photos from this event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On March 21, Gov. Evers again visited Ashland County when he toured Memorial Medical Center, now Tamarack Health Ashland Medical Center, and their on-site critical access hospital and behavioral health unit. The visit highlighted his efforts to make significant investments to expand BadgerCare and ensure access to quality, affordable healthcare for Wisconsinites. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Barron*
On April 4, Gov. Evers visited and toured the Family House of Polk and Barron Counties in Barron, which is an emergency and transitional housing facility run by the local Salvation Army that opened in the spring of 2022. The Salvation Army received [ [link removed] ] $525,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds to help build this new shelter for people who could not previously be assisted due to lack of space. Photos from this event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

Additionally, on April 4, Gov. Evers joined Rice Lake Mayor Justin Fonfara to tour local small businesses in Rice Lake. Last year, the governor awarded $3.1 million through the Neighborhood Investment Fund grant program to make improvements to Rice Lake?s Main Street corridor that will provide a safe route within the city for all users and revitalize the city?s historic downtown. Gov. Evers toured Poppy Popcorn Co., TWT Furniture and Gift Galleries, and The Milk Pail. Photos from this visit are available here [ [link removed] ], here [ [link removed] ], and here [ [link removed] ].?

Finally, on November 17, Gov. Evers returned to Rice Lake to help celebrate the reopening of Main Street and the completion of the city?s improvement project mentioned above. Photos from this event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Bayfield?*
On February 17, Gov. Evers and Lt. Gov. Rodriguez traveled to Bayfield to tour Bayfield Elementary and highlighted the governor?s 2023-25 biennial budget proposal [ [link removed] ] to provide the largest increase for K-12 schools and education in state history, including targeted investments to improve reading and literacy outcomes, expand access to mental health services, provide universal school breakfast and lunch, bolster computer science education statewide, address staffing shortages to help keep class sizes small, and increase per pupil and special education aids. Photos from this event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On May 2, Gov. Evers toured the NorthLakes Community Clinic in Iron River. The clinic, which is a Federally Qualified Community Health Center, provides a variety of services, including primary medical, dental, and behavioral health, and was one of five organizations to receive a shared?grant of $2.5 million [ [link removed] ]from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) to focus on behavioral telehealth. These grant dollars are being used to recruit and retain psychiatrists trained to serve children through telehealth. Photos of the governor?s visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Brown?*
On March 17, Gov. Evers and Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich participated in a beam signing and press conference for the new Experience Greater Green Bay Visitors Center, which received a $2.5 million grant through the Tourism Capital Investment Grant Program. In 2022, Gov. Evers joined local officials for the groundbreaking of the new visitor center. Photos of the beam signing event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On July 5, Gov. Evers traveled to Green Bay, following the signing of the 2023-25 budget, to host a press conference highlighting new initiatives and investments included in the budget. The press conference was held at LiveX, a Main Street Bounceback grant recipient and a service design, production, and broadcast company that uses innovative technologies to help increase engagement and build brands of businesses around the world. The governor was joined by Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) Secretary and Executive Director Elmer Moore Jr., Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Secretary Craig Thompson, Mayor Genrich, and local labor union members. Photos of the event are here [ [link removed] ], here [ [link removed] ], and here [ [link removed] ].?

On August 14, Gov. Evers joined Packers CEO and President Mark Murphy and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for a press conference announcing that Green Bay will host the 2025 NFL Draft. The draft is projected to generate an estimated attendance of 240,000 visitors to Green Bay over three days, $20 million in local economic impact, and $94 million in statewide impact. Following the press conference, Gov. Evers stopped by to watch practice. Photos from the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Buffalo?*
On December 4, as part of his Year of Mental Health efforts, Gov. Evers visited Alma to meet with folks from a community-founded nonprofit organization called Hope 4 U. Hope 4 U was founded to provide mental health support in the area and works to raise awareness of suicide by ending the stigma associated with mental health and focusing on prevention, awareness, and intervention. Hope 4 U is comprised of community members working in Buffalo, Pepin, and Trempealeau Counties and provides educational courses, resources, and peer support. Photos of the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Burnett?*
On May 25, Gov. Evers joined St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin Chairman William Reynolds, Tribal leadership, and WisDOT Secretary Thompson in Webster to unveil new dual-language highway signs [ [link removed] ] for placement on state highways indicating St. Croix Tribal land boundaries. This unveiling expands on a statewide dual-language sign initiative launched by WisDOT in 2021 to collaborate with the Native Nations in Wisconsin to install road signs on Tribal lands in both English and Indigenous languages. Photos of the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Calumet?*
On May 9, Gov. Evers and Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers celebrated National Travel and Tourism Week [ [link removed] ] with a visit to Brillion, where they toured the newly finished AriensCo. Museum, Round Lake Farms, and Ariens Nordic Center. Photos from the events are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Chippewa?*
On March 8, Gov. Evers visited the YMCA of the Chippewa Valley in Chippewa Falls to highlight his investments to bolster child care and out-of-school programming statewide for working families. Photos from the events are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On April 20, Gov. Evers visited Bloomer and toured Breezy Haven Farms. Breezy Haven Farms is part of the Red Cedar Conservation Farmers watershed protection group, which has received more than $80,000 through the Producer-Led Watershed Protection Grant Program since 2021. Photos from the events are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On May 9, during National Travel and Tourism Week [ [link removed] ], Gov. Evers and Tourism Secretary Sayers visited, with the Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, the Leinenkugel Disc Golf Course in Chippewa Falls. The Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce received a $30,000 Tourism Capital Investment Grant to create the disc golf course to attract new visitors, as well as tournaments and other events to Chippewa Falls. The disc golf course can be used year-round as it has been specifically designed to be used for snowshoeing and ski trails in the winter months. Photos from the events are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On May 31, Gov. Evers, during his statewide ?Pothole Patrol? tour, visited Chippewa Falls, where he repaired potholes on S. Michaud St. between E. Melby St. and S. Prairie View Rd. He was joined by WisDOT Assistant Deputy Secretary Joel Nilsestuen, city officials, and regional WisDOT staff. Photos from the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].

On July 6, Gov. Evers visited the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Greater Chippewa Valley-Chippewa Falls Center. Through the 2023-25 biennial budget, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Wisconsin received an additional $5 million in funding to bolster their work supporting kids and working families. Photos of the governor?s visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On July 25, Gov. Evers joined local leaders and WisDOT for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Cobban Bridge. The Cobban Bridge closed in 2017 after a routine inspection noted some deficiencies. The construction project began in August 2022 and has since replaced the crumbling structure with a new structure. This was a $4.6 million construction project funded jointly by the state of Wisconsin and Chippewa County. Photos of the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Clark?*
On August 29, Gov. Evers visited Greenwood Middle/High School in the School District of Greenwood as part of his ?Back to School? statewide tour to welcome students, teachers, and staff back for the new school year. Gov. Evers also met with Principal and District Administrator Joe Green and Director of Instruction and Career and Tech Education Coordinator Noah Werner. He even stopped by gym class and got a couple of push-ups in. Photos of the governor?s visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Columbia?*
On July 24, Gov. Evers and DCF Secretary Amundson visited and toured The Learning Tree Child Care Center in Portage as part of a statewide tour urging the Legislature to invest in affordable, accessible child care. At the time of the governor?s visit, the Learning Tree Child Care Center had received $221,618 in Child Care Counts funding to help stay open, pay workers competitive wages, and provide high-quality care to kids and families. Photos of the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Crawford?*
On February 7, Gov. Evers traveled to Crawford County and visited Couleecap?s workforce housing development and food pantry in Prairie du Chien, where the governor and local community members heard about the need for workforce housing and food programs in the area, how these projects help to meet those needs, and how the housing project came together with the support of government, nonprofit, and private partners. Photos from the events are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Dane?*
On January 9, Gov. Evers traveled to Monona and visited Monona Grove High School, where he visited with students, teachers, and staff. While there, he heard from students about the work they have been doing in the community to promote sustainability. Their work has been highlighted as a nationwide example of clean energy innovation in a?report [ [link removed] ]?by the U.S. Climate Alliance. A photo from the visit is available here [ [link removed] ].?

On February 16, a day after Gov. Evers delivered his 2023-25 Biennial Budget Address, the governor, Lt. Gov. Rodriguez, DWD Secretary Pechacek, and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes visited and toured Fiskars in Middleton to hear about the company?s efforts to recruit and retain workers, including through their paid family leave program. Gov. Evers proposed creating a first-of-its-kind Wisconsin paid family leave program in his budget. After it was rejected by Republicans in the Legislature, this initiative became a major focus of the governor?s September special session. A photo from the visit?is available here [ [link removed] ].

On June 26, in celebration of June Dairy Month, Gov. Evers visited Fischerdale Holsteins in Verona, where he met with the Sarbacker family. While there, he took a tour of their farm and learned about the farm?s daily operations. Photos of the governor?s visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On July 28, Gov. Evers attended The Playing Field?s apprenticeship signing ceremony at the Plumbers Union Local 75 Madison Office. The governor joined DWD Secretary Pechacek, elected officials, local leaders, and community members for the event. The Playing Field, in partnership with Plumbers Union Local 75, is building a 15,000-square-foot early education site. The space will provide on-site child care to 100 kids for apprentices, as well as career training opportunities in both skilled trades and early education. Photos of the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On September 1, Gov. Evers visited Schenk Elementary School in Madison on the first day of school to welcome students, teachers, and staff back for the 2023-24 school year. Photos of the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On September 20, Gov. Evers visited the Mariposa Learning Center in Fitchburg. The Mariposa Learning Center is a nationally accredited Spanish language child care center and, in partnership with the Oregon School District, offers a Spanish instruction 4K program. The governor called a special session of the Legislature to take place on September 20, urging them to pass his comprehensive workforce plan, including more than $340 million to continue the successful Child Care Counts Program, which has helped providers keep their doors open and lights on. At the time of the governor?s visit, Mariposa Learning Center had received $833,076 in Child Care Counts funding for both their main location and their 4K program since March 2020. A photo from the governor?s visit is available here [ [link removed] ].?

On November 15, Gov. Evers went on a ride with Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway (CPKC) and members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen from DeForest to Madison to learn more about how freight moves in Wisconsin and across the country. A photo of the visit is available here [ [link removed] ].

*Dodge?*
On April 6, Gov. Evers and WHEDA Secretary and Executive Director Moore participated in a roundtable discussion in Juneau with local leaders on the housing initiatives included in the governor?s 2023-25 budget and spoke of the need for more affordable housing in rural areas. The governor also received an update on the county?s new housing initiatives in Juneau and Reeseville, which the state supported with?$10.6 million [ [link removed] ] through the governor?s Neighborhood Investment Fund Grant Program. Photos from the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On April 25, Gov. Evers visited Beaver Dam Middle School in Beaver Dam to tour classrooms, meet with students and teachers, and highlight his 2023-25 budget recommendations to support K-12 schools, including improving reading and literacy outcomes, expanding access to mental health services and school nutrition, addressing staffing shortages to help keep class sizes small, and increasing per pupil and special education aids. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On August 30, while on his ?Back to School? statewide tour, Gov. Evers visited the School District of Lomira and welcomed students, teachers, and staff back to school for the 2023-24 school year. The governor met with District Administrator Ty Breitlow, Principal Debra Janke, Principal Sandra Schaefer, and 5th grade teacher Cindy Paasch. A photo of the visit to Lomira?is available here [ [link removed] ].

*Door *
On April 4, Gov. Evers toured and hosted a roundtable at United Way of Door County in Sturgeon Bay. United Way of Door County received up to $3.5 million [ [link removed] ] from a Workforce Innovation Grant that is being used to support access to child care and build affordable housing for the local workforce. A photo of the visit is available here [ [link removed] ].

On May 18, Gov. Evers visited Washington Island and visited Washington Island Electric Cooperative. The visit focused on expanding access to high-speed internet and the investments the Evers Administration has made across the state to increase and create broadband coverage. The Washington Island Electric Cooperative was provided a $104,331 grant from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) to help repair a damaged submarine electrical cable in 2019. Through the help of the grant, the co-op, in partnership with Nsight, was able to purchase a hybrid submarine cable that contained both an electrical cable and a fiber optic cable, helping to provide new access to high-speed internet on the island. While there, the governor also visited Washington Island Schools, where he met with students and staff, including Ms. Briesemeister [ [link removed] ], who has been teaching and caring for kids for more than 50 years. Photos of the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On June 7, Gov. Evers and Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld visited Jacksonport to meet with members of the Wisconsin Historical Society and toured and joined a boat ride at Lakeside Park. The Wisconsin Historical Society received a $29,434 grant from the?Wisconsin Coastal Management Program [ [link removed] ], which will be used to expand Wisconsin?s documentation of maritime resources by locating, investigating, mapping, and evaluating the submerged and associated shoreline cultural resources associated with historic lumber and quarry piers of Door County. Photos of the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Douglas?*
On January 17, Gov. Evers and Lt. Gov. Rodriguez hosted a listening session in Superior to hear directly from Wisconsinites on the issues that matter most to them as the governor prepared his 2023-25 biennial budget proposal. The visit was part of Gov. Evers? ?Doing the Right Thing? statewide listening session tour, which also included stops in Wausau, Eau Claire, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Photos from the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ]?courtesy of Holden Law/UW-Superior.?

On June 20, Gov. Evers visited the police department in Superior during a statewide tour highlighting legislation he had signed that morning [ [link removed] ] that provided a historic increase in support to local communities statewide through shared revenue. Shared revenue is one of the most significant sources of funding provided by the state to local governments, and after months of negotiation, Gov. Evers and Republican leaders came to an agreement providing a generational increase in the state?s commitment to local communities and allowing for growth in the future by tying local government funding to the state sales tax. The governor was joined by Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) Secretary Peter Barca, State Sen. LaTonya Johnson (D-Milwaukee), Superior Mayor Jim Paine, local elected officials, and community members. Photos of the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On June 30, Gov. Evers joined U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin) in Superior for a press conference highlighting the importance of securing federal funding to replace the Blatnik Bridge, which connects Duluth, Minnesota, with Superior. The 2023-25 budget signed by Gov. Evers included a $400 million state investment for the reconstruction of the bridge. Photos of the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On September 7, Gov. Evers visited Northwestern High School in the School District of Maple as part of his ?Back to School? statewide tour to welcome students, teachers, and staff back to school for the 2023-24 school year. Photos of the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On November 16, Gov. Evers visited the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Superior to meet with future and current educators and highlight his comprehensive workforce plan [ [link removed] ] that would have invested more than $16 million over the biennium to address the teacher shortage plaguing schools across the state, including funding for ?grow your own? initiatives and incentives for student teachers. Photos of the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Dunn *
On November 16, Gov. Evers visited the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Superior to meet with future and current educators and highlight his comprehensive workforce plan [ [link removed] ] that would have invested more than $16 million over the biennium to address the teacher shortage plaguing schools across the state, including funding for ?grow your own? initiatives and incentives for student teachers. Photos of the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On August 2, Gov. Evers visited and toured Milestones Early Educational Community in Menomonie. While there, the governor highlighted his efforts to prevent the child care industry?s collapse and ensure access to affordable child care statewide. The governor?s comprehensive workforce plan [ [link removed] ] included a more than $365 million investment to continue the successful Child Care Counts and Partner Up! Programs at DCF. At the time of the governor?s visit, Milestones Early Educational Community had received $745,756 in Child Care Counts funding since March 2020. Photos of the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On November 1, Gov. Evers visited UW-Stout, where he toured the Jarvis Hall Technology Wing to learn about UW-Stout?s polytechnic program and to highlight his efforts to bolster and support the UW System statewide. The governor?s comprehensive workforce plan [ [link removed] ] included an additional more than $100 million investment in the state?s higher education institutions, including an additional more than $40 million to support the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) and an additional $66.4 million for the UW System to help recruit, train, and retain talent in an effort to bolster the state?s workforce. Photos of the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Eau Claire?*
On February 20, Gov. Evers, joined by DOR Secretary Barca, local leaders, and first responders, visited Eau Claire Fire Department Station 10 to highlight his plan to send 20 percent of the state?s sales tax back to local communities through shared revenue and fund essential services like fire, EMS, and law enforcement, as announced in his 2023-25 Biennial Budget Message [ [link removed] ]. Photos from the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On March 2, Gov. Evers and DOA Secretary Blumenfeld visited UW-Eau Claire, where they toured Phillips Science Hall and the proposed construction site of the new science and health building. Gov. Evers proposed several major projects at UW-Eau Claire in his 2023-25 Capital Budget [ [link removed] ], including $231 million to complete phase two of the new science and health building and demolish Phillips Hall, the old science and health building. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ].

On March 28, Gov. Evers went on a tour of the Cortec Corporation facility in Eau Claire, highlighting efforts included in his 2023-25 budget proposal aimed at promoting sustainability and combatting climate change while providing the training and support to ensure Wisconsinites can meet the state?s clean energy and conservation workforce needs. The Cortec Corporation is a member of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources? (DNR) Green Tier program, which recognizes environmental performance above and beyond minimal Wisconsin state regulatory requirements.?A photo from the visit?is available here [ [link removed] ].?

On June 29, Gov. Evers visited and attended the grand opening of the new Sojourner House in Eau Claire. The Sojourner House first opened its doors on November 1, 2011, and is a year-round facility that provides those who are experiencing homelessness a place to sleep overnight, shower, wash their clothes, and eat breakfast while ensuring their personal dignity, respect, and safety. The Sojourner House received a $1.5 million Neighborhood Investment Grant [ [link removed] ], which was used to create a space for increased social distancing in the shelter by updating handicap capabilities, enlarging the women?s dormitory, as well as allowing a second floor for offices to provide wraparound services. Photos of the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On October 2, Gov. Evers visited Beautiful Minds Child Care in Eau Claire during a statewide tour to highlight his comprehensive workforce plan [ [link removed] ], which included an investment of more than $365 million for the Child Care Counts and Partner Up! Programs at DCF to help prevent the collapse of the state?s child care industry and ensure access to quality, affordable child care statewide for working families. At the time of the governor?s visit, Beautiful Minds Child Care had received $888,825 in Child Care Counts funding since March 2020. Photos of the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On November 16, Gov. Evers toured UW-Eau Claire?s Nursing School and visited with nursing students and staff. While there, the governor highlighted his comprehensive workforce plan [ [link removed] ], which included an investment of approximately $160 million to address healthcare workforce shortages across the state. The governor was joined by Kim Wellnitz, a professor at UW-Eau Claire and an American Federation of Teachers member. Photos of the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On November 28, Gov. Evers visited Feed My People Food Bank in Eau Claire to highlight Giving Tuesday. Feed My People serves 14 counties in Wisconsin and rescues nationally and regionally donated food from manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and growers that might otherwise be thrown away. During the pandemic, Gov. Evers created the Food Security Initiative [ [link removed] ] using federally allocated ARPA funds. Feed My People received $1,372,571 in food purchases from Feeding Wisconsin?s ARPA Food Security Initiative funds, along with $172,021 of Feeding Wisconsin?s infrastructure/equipment funds, which were distributed to meet the needs of their pantry network. Photos of the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Florence?*
On December 11, Gov. Evers visited and toured a DNR field office in Florence. During the visit, the governor met with regional DNR staff, toured the facility, and spoke with folks from the Florence County Forestry and Parks Department, as well as staffers from UW Extension, which is located in the same building. Additionally, the governor learned more about the DNR?s CWD testing stations. Photos of the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Fond du Lac?*
On December 11, Gov. Evers visited and toured a DNR field office in Florence. During the visit, the governor met with regional DNR staff, toured the facility, and spoke with folks from the Florence County Forestry and Parks Department, as well as staffers from UW Extension, which is located in the same building. Additionally, the governor learned more about the DNR?s CWD testing stations. Photos of the event are available here [ [link removed] ], here [ [link removed] ], and here [ [link removed] ].?

On August 16, Gov. Evers attended the FONDY C.A.R.E.S Meet and Greet event, which was hosted by the Fond du Lac School District. FONDY C.A.R.E.S (community access, responding, and empowering students) is an in-school mental health clinic that supports the entire Fond du Lac student body. Gov. Evers declared 2023 the Year of Mental Health, and the event provided an opportunity for the governor to celebrate the good work happening in the Fond du Lac School District to support students? mental health and underscore the importance of addressing this burgeoning crisis. A photo from the event is available here [ [link removed] ].

*Forest*
On May 10, Gov. Evers traveled to Crandon during National Travel and Tourism Week [ [link removed] ]. He was joined by the Forest County Chamber of Commerce and toured the Crandon International Raceway, visited the Northern Lake Service Inc. to learn about their efforts to test for PFAS in the area, and stopped by Yeti?s Drive-In for some twist cones. Photos of the governor?s visit to Crandon are available?here [ [link removed] ], here [ [link removed] ], and here [ [link removed] ].

On September 5, Gov. Evers visited the Laona School District as part of his statewide tour to welcome students, teachers, and staff back to school for the 2023-24 school year. Photos of the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Grant*?
On April 3, Gov. Evers, together with WHEDA Secretary and Executive Director Moore, visited Platteville to tour the Platteville Public Library and participated in a roundtable discussion with local leaders on the housing initiatives included in the governor?s 2023-25 budget, the need for more affordable housing in rural areas, and the Evers Administration?s commitment to connecting the dots in local communities through housing, public services, and more. Photos from the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On May 25, Gov. Evers kicked off his annual ?Pothole Patrol? Tour [ [link removed] ] in Platteville, helping repair potholes on Sowden St. between Jefferson St. and N. Water St and highlighting his administration?s efforts to improve local roads and highways. Since 2019, the administration has repaired or improved more than 7,400 miles of road and 1,780 bridges statewide. The governor was joined by WisDOT representatives and local officials. Photos from the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On August 10, during a?statewide tour [ [link removed] ] highlighting the need for ongoing, meaningful investments in the state?s child care industry, Gov. Evers visited Giggles and Wiggles Daycare Center in Lancaster. Giggles and Wiggles Daycare Center was the second-largest child care provider in Lancaster before it closed its doors in August, citing staffing shortages and the uncertainty around additional financial support from the state as reasons for closing. Photos of the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Green*
On June 14, in celebration of June Dairy Month [ [link removed] ], Gov. Evers traveled to Monroe and toured Chalet Cheese, which is the only cheesemaking facility in the United States that makes Limburger cheese. Chalet Cheese previously received Dairy Processor Grants from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) in 2019, 2021, and 2023 to update their production practices and facility and create a marketing development plan for their operation. Photos from the tour are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].

On September 25, Gov. Evers continued his statewide tour of childcare centers across the state to highlight the Child Care Counts Program and his comprehensive workforce plan [ [link removed] ] to invest more than $365 million to prevent the child care industry?s imminent collapse and ensure access to affordable child care statewide for working families. The governor toured The Nurturing Tree Early Learning Academy in Brodhead, a center that focuses on nurturing the emotional, intellectual, and physical growth of children through stimulating, hands-on experiences. Photos from the tour are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Green Lake*?
On August 28, Gov. Evers visited Markesan Intermediate School of the Markesan School District on the students? first day of school. The governor visited classrooms, met with teachers, and answered questions from students. This visit was part of the statewide ?Back to School? tour to welcome students, teachers, and staff back for the 2023-24 school year. Photos from the tour are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].

*Iowa*
On June 14, in celebration of June Dairy Month [ [link removed] ], Gov. Evers visited and toured Arena Cheese in Arena. Arena Cheese received a Dairy Processor Grant from DATCP in 2020 for the installation of a reverse osmosis system to concentrate lactose permeate coming from an ultrafiltration unit that separates protein from lactose, reducing the cost of disposal and increasing the value of the disposal product. Photos from the tour are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].

*Iron*?
On September 5, Gov. Evers visited Family Forum Head Start in Hurley to continue urging the Legislature to invest in child care statewide to prevent the industry?s imminent collapse and ensure access to affordable child care for working families. At the time of the governor?s visit, Family Forum Head Start in Hurley had received $72,460 in Child Care Counts funding since October 2021. Photos from the tour are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Jackson?*
On March 15, Gov. Evers visited Black River Falls High School for an event to raise awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and to honor those lost. The governor joined Black River Falls? Heart Spirits project to create clay hearts representing missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Wisconsin. Photos from the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On April 6, Gov. Evers traveled to Black River Falls and met with leaders from the Ho-Chunk Nation and discussed updates on their Neighborhood Investment Fund grant. The Ho-Chunk Nation received over $11.8 million [ [link removed] ] to develop 28 affordable small-home units and 10 supportive housing units in order to reduce overcrowding in low-income rental communities operated by the Ho-Chunk Housing and Community Development Agency. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Jefferson?*
On January 10, Gov. Evers, joined by Watertown Mayor Emily McFarland and Watertown Main Street Program Executive Director Melissa Lampe, went on a tour of local businesses in Watertown. First, they stopped at the Watertown Public Library, where Library Director Peg Checkai took them on a guided tour of the expanded and renovated library. The governor, mayor, and director then visited and toured the Pine Hill Farm Wellness Collective and Market and met the owner, Jackie Phillips. Pine Hill Farm is a USDA-certified organic hemp farm and market where they sell various CBD health products. Pine Hill Farm was a recipient of $10,000 from the Main Street Bounceback Grant Program, which?has helped more than 9,400 other small businesses across the state open or expand their storefronts. Finally, they visited the Main Street Cafe and met the owner, Adil Limani. Adil and his wife had recently purchased and renovated the storefront next to their original one to expand their restaurant.?Photos from the visits are available here [ [link removed] ], here [ [link removed] ], and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Juneau*
On May 16, Gov. Evers visited Lange Plumbing Inc. in New Lisbon, a business that received broadband through a Broadband Expansion Grant from PSC to Lynxx Networks. Lynxx Networks received a more than $2 million Broadband Expansion Grant to utilize fiber to reach 20 businesses and 862 residential locations in Juneau County, providing new or improved access to high-speed internet for the families and businesses in the area. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Kenosha?*
On January 26, Gov. Evers, joined by Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions Secretary Cheryll Olson-Collins and DOA Secretary Blumenfeld, toured Gateway Technical College in Kenosha to learn more about their apprenticeship programs, specifically their HVAC programs, and to highlight the administration?s efforts to bolster the state?s workforce through support for apprenticeship statewide. Photos from the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On June 14, in celebration of June Dairy Month [ [link removed] ], Gov. Evers took a tour of the Mars Cheese Castle in Kenosha. The Mars Cheese Castle has been a family-owned Wisconsin staple since it first opened in 1947 and has a specialty market offering more than 700 cheeses, wines, and items from Wisconsin and around the world, as well as an in-house bakery, restaurant, and pub. Photos from the tour are available here [ [link removed] ], here [ [link removed] ], and here [ [link removed] ].?

On July 17, Gov. Evers joined WisDOT officials and community leaders to celebrate improvements to Wisconsin Highway 50 (WIS 50) in Kenosha County. Work began in early 2021 to reconstruct four miles of WIS 50 between 117th Ave. in Pleasant Prairie and 43rd Ave. in Kenosha. The finished project improves access to adjacent hospitals, eases traffic flow in a dense commercial shopping area, and enhances regional mobility in an active freight corridor. Since 2019, the Evers Administration has repaired or improved more than 7,400 miles of road and 1,780 bridges statewide. Photos from the ribbon-cutting celebration are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On August 31, Gov. Evers visited Bristol School on their first day of school as part of his ?Back to School? tour, welcoming students, teachers, and staff back for the 2023-24 school year. Photos of the governor?s visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On October 18, Gov. Evers visited UW-Parkside, where he met with students and staff in the school?s teacher education program and visited the school?s healthcare career fair. While there, the governor highlighted his comprehensive workforce plan [ [link removed] ], which would have provided more than $175 million in investments to support and bolster the state?s healthcare and education workforce sectors. Additionally, the governor?s plan included an additional more than $100 million investment in the state?s higher education institutions, including an additional more than $40 million to support the WTCS and an additional $66.4 million for the UW System to help recruit, train, and retain talent in an effort to bolster the state?s workforce. Photos from the governor?s visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Kewaunee*
On July 27, Gov. Evers visited Day by Day Discoveries in Luxemburg, continuing his statewide tour highlighting the importance of investing in child care statewide to prevent the industry?s collapse and support working families and Wisconsin?s workforce, including by continuing the successful Child Care Counts Program. The Child Care Counts Program has served as a lifeline for local child care providers, helping them to keep their lights on, doors open, and staff paid. Photos from the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*La Crosse?*
On March 2, Gov. Evers and DOA Secretary Blumenfeld visited UW-La Crosse, where they toured several major capital building projects proposed in the governor?s 2023 Capital Budget on the UW-La Crosse campus, including $182.5 million to complete the Prairie Springs Science Center and demolish Cowley Hall. Unfortunately, neither of these projects were included by legislative Republicans in the final budget. A photo from the visit is available here [ [link removed] ].?

On March 13, Gov. Evers visited Holmen High School in Holmen to hear about the school district?s Student Universal Nutrition Program, which works to educate students on the importance of healthy eating habits. The governor?s 2023-25 biennial budget proposal included $120 million for his ?Healthy Meals, Healthy Kids? initiative to provide universal school breakfast and lunch to help prevent kids from being hungry at school and ensure students can come to class coursework ready. Unfortunately, this initiative was not included by legislative Republicans in the final budget. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On May 2, Gov. Evers toured the Coulee Recovery Center in La Crosse. Coulee Recovery Center is a peer-run respite facility that provides help to individuals and families impacted by addiction and provides substance misuse education, prevention, and awareness to the community as a whole. In 2021, the center was awarded $30,000 annually for five years through a peer recovery center grant from DHS. During his 2023 State of the State Address, Gov. Evers declared 2023 the Year of Mental Health and called the state of mental health in Wisconsin a burgeoning crisis that requires the state?s urgent action and attention. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On May 8, Gov.Evers celebrated the start of National Travel and Tourism Week [ [link removed] ] with a tour of the Pump House Regional Arts Center in La Crosse. The Pump House was founded in 1977 and strives to bring visual, performing, and literary arts to the La Crosse area. The Pump House received $288,140 from a Tourism Capital Investment Grant [ [link removed] ] to improve and update the restroom facilities and replace the chairs in the theater. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On May 31, Gov. Evers finished his annual statewide ?Pothole Patrol? [ [link removed] ] tour with a stop to Onalaska, where he repaired potholes at the intersection of Lake St. and 8th Ave. N. Additionally, in Onalaska, Gov. Evers and local officials held a press conference to promote work zone safety and safe driving habits. Since 2019, the Evers Administration has repaired or improved more than 7,400 miles of road and 1,780 bridges statewide. Gov. Evers has previously gone on ?Pothole Patrol? tours during his time in office, including in 2019, 2021, and 2022. Photos from the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Lafayette?*
On February 17, Gov. Evers and Lt. Gov. Rodriguez visited Darlington Elementary and Middle School to visit with students, teachers, and staff and to highlight the governor?s 2023-25 biennial budget proposal [ [link removed] ]. The governor proposed providing the largest increase for K-12 schools and education in state history, including targeted investments to improve reading and literacy outcomes, expand access to mental health services, provide universal school breakfast and lunch, bolster computer science education statewide, address staffing shortages to help keep class sizes small, and increase per pupil and special education aids. Photos from the events are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Langlade?*
On November 21, Gov. Evers traveled to Antigo to promote and celebrate ?Shop Small Wisconsin,? an initiative that promotes shopping at small, local businesses during the holiday season. Gov. Evers visited four small businesses, which all received grants through the Main Street Bounceback Grant Program. The governor started by stopping at Wildman Arts. He then visited Chocolate Creations by Kylie and Birch Boutique and ended with a visit to Flowers from the Heart on Fifth. To date, the Main Street Bounceback Grant Program has helped more than 9,400 small businesses expand or move into storefronts in all 72 counties across the state, including in Langlade County, where 51 businesses have received grants. Photos of the event are available here [ [link removed] ], here [ [link removed] ], and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Lincoln*
On January 9, Gov. Evers visited Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake School in Irma, which is the state?s Type 1 secure juvenile correctional facility. He was joined by Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) Secretary Kevin Carr and DOC Deputy Secretary Jared Hoy. They toured the facility and met staff, as well as the youth in DOC?s care. This was the governor?s third visit to Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake since taking office in 2019. Gov. Evers has long been a proponent of closing Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake as juvenile facilities and safely moving youth closer to home.?

On December 18, Gov. Evers visited Merrill High School to meet with students, teachers, and faculty to discuss student mental health and talk about the student-led program, ?Raise Your Voice.? Raise Your Voice is a youth program that was launched by the National Alliance on Mental Illness Wisconsin to support and empower youth to speak about mental health. Raise Your Voice Club at Merrill High School began in the spring of 2020. Student leaders were recruited for their interest in mental health and received training on the topic. Beginning with only eight students, Raise Your Voice grew quickly to over 100 members. In the first two years, over 150 Raise Your Voice members received training on how to support a peer who is struggling and additional training on adolescent mental health provided by mental health professionals. Photos of the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Manitowoc?*
On March 9, Gov. Evers toured the Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry (WAFCO) in Manitowoc. While there, he joined WAFCO leadership for a conversation regarding the state?s generational workforce challenges and the strategies that WAFCO has implemented to recruit and retain workers, including providing child care stipends to employees and paid family leave. Photos from the tour are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On September 22, Gov. Evers continued his statewide tour of child care providers, urging the Legislature to invest in child care to prevent the industry?s imminent collapse and ensure access to affordable child care for working families. The governor visited the Manitowoc-Two Rivers YMCA, where he spoke with local business leaders about the importance of child care and toured the facility. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Marathon*
On January 25, a day after delivering his 2023 State of the State Address and declaring 2023 the Year of Mental Health, Gov. Evers, Lt. Gov. Rodriguez, DWD Secretary Pechacek, and DCF Secretary Amundson visited with the staff and leadership of Wisconsin United Coalition of Mutual Assistance Association (WUCMAA) in Wausau. WUCMAA provides critical services and resources to communities across the state and promotes the advancement of Hmong and Southeast Asian communities. WUCMAA also focuses on suicide prevention and building resilience and strength among Wisconsin?s Hmong and underserved communities, efforts which the state has been proud to support through various grant programs over the past two years. Photos from the visit and discussion are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On April 21, in celebration of Earth Day, Gov. Evers and Wausau Mayor Katie Rosenberg toured the city of Wausau?s drinking water treatment facility, which is doing innovative work to make the city?s water PFAS-free. Following this tour, they went to Marathon County Park and planted a White Pine tree, contributing to the city?s efforts to add a population of White Pine trees to Marathon County Park. Additionally, they also visited Rib Mountain State Park for a hike with local stakeholders, members of the Friends of Rib Mountain State Park organization, and DNR staff. Photos from the governor?s visit to Wausau for Earth Day are available here [ [link removed] ], here [ [link removed] ], and here [ [link removed] ].?

On June 20, Gov. Evers signed Assembly Bill 245 [ [link removed] ], now 2023 Wisconsin Act 12, at the Fire Department Station 2 in Wausau, providing a historic increase in support to local communities statewide through shared revenue. Shared revenue is one of the most significant sources of funding provided by the state to local governments, and after months of negotiation, Gov. Evers and Republican leaders came to an agreement providing a generational increase in the state?s commitment to local communities and allowing for growth in the future by tying local government funding to the state sales tax. The governor was joined by DOR Secretary Barca, State Sen. Johnson, and Mayor Rosenberg, as well as other legislators, local elected officials, and stakeholders. Photos from the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On August 2, continuing his tour urging the Legislature to invest in child care statewide to prevent the industry?s imminent collapse and support working families, Gov. Evers visited and toured the Woodson YMCA Aspirus Child Care Center in Weston. At the time of the governor?s visit, the center had received $921,789 in Child Care Counts funding since March 2020. The Child Care Counts Program has been a lifeline for local providers, providing the resources and support needed to keep their lights on and staff paid and ensuring they can continue to provide care for working families. Photos from the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Marinette?*
On March 6, Gov. Evers visited Auntie M?s Child Care Center in Niagara to highlight proposed investments in his 2023-25 budget to bolster child care and out-of-school programming statewide for working families. The governor proposed providing more than $340 million to make the successful Child Care Counts Program permanent and more than $22 million to support the Partner Up! Program at DCF. These proposals would later become major focuses of the governor?s comprehensive workforce plan in his September special session of the Legislature. At the time of the governor?s visit, Auntie M?s Child Care Center had received more than $363,000 through the Child Care Counts Program since March 2020.?A photo from the visit is available here [ [link removed] ].?

*Marquette?*
On July 17, Gov. Evers, together with DCF Secretary Amundson, visited and toured Smart Start Daycare in Montello to continue urging the Legislature to invest in affordable, accessible child care statewide. At the time of the governor?s visit, Smart Start Daycare had received $298,664 in Child Care Counts funding since March 2020 to help stay open, pay workers competitive wages, and provide high-quality care to kids and families. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Menominee?*
On June 15, Gov. Evers visited the Menominee Food Distribution Program on the Menominee Reservation, where he helped distribute food boxes with Tribal leadership, representatives from Feeding America, and the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council. The Menominee Food Distribution Program was created to provide quality service, a variety of nutritious food items, recipes, and nutrition information for maintaining a balanced diet for eligible persons living within the service area. Today, the program serves approximately 400 households. The 2023-25 biennial budget signed by Gov. Evers included an investment of $3 million to support this critical program. Photos from the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Milwaukee?*
On January 11, Gov. Evers visited Milwaukee?s first Community Land Trust home, which is part of VIA Community Development Corporation?s Turnkey Program, to highlight his administration?s commitment to increasing access to affordable housing for Wisconsinites. VIA Community Development Corporation? transforms vacant bank and city-owned properties into fully renovated, move-in-ready homes for qualified families looking to purchase in several neighborhoods throughout Milwaukee through their Turnkey Program. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] courtesy of VIA Community Development Corporation.

On March 1, during a statewide tour highlighting his 2023-25 Capital Budget recommendations [ [link removed] ], Gov. Evers and DOA Secretary Blumenfeld visited the African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin in the Bronzeville Neighborhood of Milwaukee to highlight the governor?s proposal to provide $5 million to support the construction of the Bronzeville Center for the Arts? African American Art Center. The African American Art Center will educate, celebrate, and support African American artists from across the state and beyond to attract new visitors to the city of Milwaukee and Wisconsin. While legislative Republicans did not include the Bronzeville project in the final budget sent to the governor?s desk, in November, the governor announced [ [link removed] ] a $36.6 million investment into building projects across the state, including $5 million for this important project.?A photo from the governor?s visit to the Bronzeville Neighborhood is available here [ [link removed] ].

On April 18, Gov. Evers and DWD Secretary Pechacek visited Milwaukee?s Arborist Apprenticeship Program, which is a partnership between the Urban Forestry Department at the DNR and DWD. They spoke with crews while they worked on E. Oklahoma Ave. in the Bayview Neighborhood. The city of Milwaukee has received more than $23,000 from the DNR through their Urban Forestry Grant Program to continue their workforce development and the Arborist Apprenticeship program. Photos from the events are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On May 30, Gov. Evers continued his annual statewide ?Pothole Patrol? tour [ [link removed] ] with a stop in Brown Deer, where he repaired potholes on N. 51st St. between W. Brown Deer Rd. and W. Green Brook Dr. Since 2019, the Evers Administration has repaired or improved more than 7,400 miles of road and 1,780 bridges statewide. Gov. Evers has previously gone on ?Pothole Patrol? tours during his time in office, including in 2019, 2021, and 2022. Photos from the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].

On August 8, Gov. Evers hosted a press conference at Tiny Green Trees Nature Based Childcare Center in Milwaukee, where he announced [ [link removed] ] he was calling a special session of the Legislature on September 20 to complete their work on the 2023-25 budget and pass his comprehensive workforce plan. The governor?s plan included investments to increase access to affordable child care and prevent the child care industry?s collapse, expand paid family leave, educate and train future workers, and support high-need workforce sectors statewide. Photos of the governor?s event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On August 25, Gov. Evers attended and gave remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the 50th Annual Mexican Fiesta, where the governor highlighted the importance and impact the Latino and Hispanic communities have in Milwaukee and across the state. Mexican Fiesta is sponsored by the Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation Inc., a nonprofit organization servicing the Wisconsin Hispanic community. Each year, the event raises funds to provide scholarships for higher education for Wisconsin students and to maintain a diversity of cultures by having a truly authentic festival. Photos of the event are here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On December 5, at American Family Field, Gov. Evers signed [ [link removed] ] two bipartisan bills, Assembly Bill 438, now 2023 Wisconsin Act 40, and Assembly Bill 439, now 2023 Wisconsin Act 41, to keep the Milwaukee Brewers and Major League Baseball in Wisconsin through 2050. The bills were passed with broad, bipartisan support after months of collaboration and negotiations between the Office of the Governor, members of the Legislature, the Brewers, Milwaukee County, the city of Milwaukee, and local stakeholders and partners. Photos of the event are here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Monroe?*
On July 20, Gov. Evers visited Brinkman?s Landing, a canoe and kayak boat launch in Sparta that was created through the Monroe County Voluntary Home Buyout Program. This program helps homeowners who have experienced flooding and is funded through grant dollars from Couleecap, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the DNR through the Municipal Flood Control Grant Program. The 2023-25 budget signed by Gov. Evers provided an additional $4 million for urban nonpoint source cost-sharing and for the Municipal Flood Control Grant Program, which will help local communities proactively mitigate the impacts of a changing climate. Photos of the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Oconto?*
On November 21, to kick off the ?Shop Small Wisconsin? season, encouraging Wisconsinites to shop at small, local businesses for the holidays, Gov. Evers visited six small businesses in Oconto. The governor started his visit to Oconto by stopping at The Shop on Main and at Creative Ewe. He then visited Roberts Hometown Hardware, The Candy Shop, and Secret Garden Floral Design. Several of the businesses received grants through the Main Street Bounceback Grant Program. To date, the Main Street Bounceback Grant Program has helped more than 9,400 small businesses expand or move into storefronts in all 72 counties across the state, including in Oconto County, where 83 businesses have received grants. Photos of the governor?s visit are available here [ [link removed] ], here [ [link removed] ], and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Oneida?*
On May 30, Gov. Evers continued his annual statewide ?Pothole Patrol? tour [ [link removed] ] in Rhinelander, where he repaired potholes with WisDOT Secretary Thompson and local officials. Since 2019, the Evers Administration has repaired or improved more than 7,400 miles of road and 1,780 bridges statewide. Gov. Evers has previously gone on ?Pothole Patrol? tours during his time in office, including in 2019, 2021, and 2022. Photos of the governor?s ?Pothole Patrol? stop in Rhinelander are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].

On August 8, Gov. Evers visited the YMCA of the Northwoods in Rhinelander to continue his statewide tour, urging the Legislature to invest in child care statewide to prevent the industry?s imminent collapse and ensure affordable care for working families. The governor?s?comprehensive workforce plan [ [link removed] ] included investing more than $365 million to support the successful Child Care Counts and Partner Up! Programs at DCF. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On August 31, Gov. Evers visited Rennes Health and Rehab Center in Rhinelander to highlight his comprehensive workforce plan to invest approximately $160 million to bolster and expand the state?s healthcare workforce, including $6 million for the WisCaregiver Careers program. The WisCaregiver Careers program aims to address the shortage of certified nursing assistants in the state by supporting the recruitment, training, and retention of individuals to care for nursing home residents across Wisconsin. Through the WisCaregiver Program, Rennes Health and Rehab Center trained over 150 Certified Nursing Assistants. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Outagamie?*
On February 7, Gov. Evers went to Appleton to tour Rogers Behavioral Health?s Appleton clinic. While there, the governor had a discussion with CEO Dr. John Boyd and clinic leadership to learn more about their work to provide mental and behavioral healthcare to members of the community, particularly youth. During his 2023 State of the State Address, Gov. Evers declared [ [link removed] ] 2023 the Year of Mental Health and called the state of mental health in Wisconsin a quiet, burgeoning crisis. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On April 6, Gov. Evers and WHEDA Secretary and Executive Director Moore toured COTS Inc. in Appleton. COTS Inc. is a transitional shelter helping individuals experiencing homelessness in the Fox Valley that received $50,000 from the WHEDA Foundation Housing Grant Program. This grant provides funding to make physical improvements to facilities owned by nonprofits that house vulnerable populations and those at risk of homelessness. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On July 6, Gov. Evers visited the Appleton International Airport in Appleton to highlight $7 million in funding from the 2023-25 budget signed by Gov. Evers for improvements as part of the airport?s terminal expansion project. Photos from the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On August 8, Gov. Evers visited the Appleton YMCA Child Care Center during a statewide tour, urging the Legislature to invest in child care statewide to prevent the industry?s imminent collapse and ensure affordable care for working families. Earlier that same day, Gov. Evers had called [ [link removed] ] a special session of the Legislature to pass his comprehensive workforce plan [ [link removed] ], which included a more than $365 million investment in the successful Child Care Counts and Partner Up! Programs at DCF. Photos of the governor?s visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On November 30, Gov. Evers visited Appleton to promote and celebrate ?Shop Small Wisconsin,? an initiative that promotes shopping at small, local businesses during the holiday season. Gov. Evers visited five small businesses, including Lawless Coffee, Eroding Winds, Olive & Rose Boutique, Uni Uni Bubble Tea, and Trending Topic. Several of the businesses visited were recipients of the Main Street Bounceback Grant Program. To date, the Main Street Bounceback Grant Program has helped more than 9,400 small businesses expand or move into storefronts in all 72 counties across the state, including in Outagamie County, where 297 businesses have received grants. Photos of the governor?s visits are available here [ [link removed] ], here [ [link removed] ], and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Ozaukee*?
On June 9, Gov. Evers, together with DOA Secretary Blumenfeld, visited Saukville to highlight the announcement [ [link removed] ] of $1.4 million in state funding through the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program to support quality of life, foster economic development, and protect and create resiliency in Wisconsin?s Great Lakes coastal communities. Ozaukee County received a $166,700 grant to conduct coastal wetland and prairie habitat restoration and public access improvements at Clay Bluffs Cedar Gorge Nature Preserve County Park. Photos of the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Pepin?*
On June 13, Gov. Evers visited Stockholm Pie and General Store, an LGBTQ-owned business that received a $10,000 Main Street Bounceback Grant in Stockholm. Later that day, the governor also visited RiverTime Wine-Beer-Amusements in Pepin, which also received a $10,000 Main Street Bounceback Grant. To date, the Main Street Bounceback Grant Program has helped more than 9,400 small businesses expand or move into storefronts in all 72 counties across the state, including 24 small businesses in Pepin County. Photos from the governor?s visits are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Pierce?*
On May 16, Gov. Evers, DNR leadership and staff, and members of the Lake Pepin Legacy Alliance visited Saratoga Park in Bay City to attend the groundbreaking ceremony kicking off the construction of the Mississippi River Upper Pool 4 Project. The Mississippi River Upper Pool 4 is a nearly $27 million project and one of the first in the nation to use river sand from the Mississippi River navigation channel and backwaters to improve habitat. The 2021-23 budget, signed by Gov. Evers, provided $3 million to continue this project to restore the Pierce County Islands Wildlife Area, which would support wetland and habitat restoration intended to improve water quality. A photo from the event is available here [ [link removed] ].?

On October 2, Gov. Evers visited UW-River Falls, where he met with students and staff in the school?s education program. While there, the governor highlighted his comprehensive workforce plan [ [link removed] ], which would have provided more than $16 million in investments to support and bolster the state?s education workforce. Additionally, the governor?s plan included an additional more than $100 million investment in the state?s higher education institutions, including an additional more than $40 million to support the WTCS and an additional $66.4 million for the UW System to help recruit, train, and retain talent in an effort to bolster the state?s workforce. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Polk?*
On May 11, Gov. Evers celebrated National Travel and Tourism Week [ [link removed] ] with a visit to Interstate State Park in St. Croix Falls. He was joined by DNR staff and members of the Friends of Interstate Park organization. During his visit, the governor went on a hike on the Potholes Trail and visited the Ice Age Interpretive Center. Photos of the visit are available?here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Portage*?
On February 21, Gov. Evers toured the UW-Stevens Point Water and Environmental Analysis Lab, where he was joined by State Rep. Katrina Shankland (D-Stevens Point) and Mayor Mike Wiza to discuss his efforts to address water quality and ensure every Wisconsinite has clean drinking water, including a multi-pronged approach to address PFAS contamination, expand the Well Compensation Grant Program, and support farmer- and producer-led water conservation efforts, as proposed in the governor?s 2023-25 biennial budget [ [link removed] ]. A photo from the visit is?available here [ [link removed] ].?

On June 6, during a statewide tour celebrating another record-breaking year [ [link removed] ] for Wisconsin tourism, Gov. Evers traveled to Stevens Point and visited the Stevens Point Sculpture Park. The Stevens Point Sculpture Park is a 20-acre park featuring art installations from both local and national artists. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On October 10, Gov. Evers joined Family Health La Clinica in Stevens Point for a ribbon-cutting celebration. Family Health La Clinica?received [ [link removed] ] $6.95 million through the Healthcare Infrastructure Capital Investment Grant Program to expand its healthcare services and build a new facility in Stevens Point. Through the awarded grant funding, the clinic will be able to offer medical and behavioral health services and expand dental, optometry, pharmacy, and rehabilitative services. Photos from the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On November 30, Gov. Evers visited Plover for the Food and Farm Exploration Center?s Grand Opening. The Food and Farm Exploration Center received a $3 million grant through the 2023-25 biennial budget signed by Gov. Evers to support the completion of this project. A photo of the event is available here [ [link removed] ].?

*Price?*
On May 6, Gov. Evers attended the 57th Annual Governor?s Fishing Opener in Phillips to kick off the fishing season in Wisconsin, where the governor caught a 23? walleye. The governor was joined by Jane McMahon and Barb Cary from the Wisconsin Women Fish club. Photos of the event are available here [ [link removed] ].?

On July 11, Gov. Evers attended the rebuild kickoff event for the Marshfield Medical Center-Park Falls in Park Falls. In 2022, Marshfield Medical Center-Park Falls was awarded a $20 million Healthcare Infrastructure Capital Investment Grant [ [link removed] ] to help address the facility?s aging infrastructure, improve outdated inpatient rooms, create a dedicated urgent care space, and bring new sleep study and retail pharmacy services to the hospital. Photos of the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Racine*?
On January 10, Gov. Evers traveled to Racine and visited the Villa Street Community Oriented Policing (COP) House to further emphasize his commitment to expanding mental healthcare for kids across the state and to see firsthand how mental health supports are helping prevent violence and promote community safety. The aim of COP houses is to reduce crime and build community trust by providing opportunities for law enforcement to have positive interactions in local neighborhoods through programming and engagement events. Photos are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On March 30, Gov. Evers, together with Racine Mayor Cory Mason, toured one of the city of Racine?s affordable housing units and participated in a roundtable discussion with staff and community members regarding the city?s affordable housing programs. The city of Racine received [ [link removed] ] a $15 million grant through the governor?s Neighborhood Investment Fund Grant Program for the Lincoln-King Neighborhood Revitalization Plan, which will provide new affordable housing in the community. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On June 7, Gov. Evers and DOA Secretary Blumenfeld visited Racine and met with Mayor Mason, representatives from the Racine Public Health Department, and other city officials. Racine received [ [link removed] ] a $26,400 grant from the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program to fund the installation of a scenic platform for wetland viewing at Samuel Myers Park. Racine has been restoring the park since 2014, including creating wetlands, dunes, prairies, rain gardens, and pathways, and the park now serves as a restored coastal wetland and gateway for environmental education about invasive species, climate change, and nonpoint source pollution. Photos from the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On September 22, Gov. Evers visited Small World Montessori, celebrating their 50th year of operation in September 2023 and continuing his statewide tour of childcare centers across the state to highlight the Child Care Counts Program and his comprehensive workforce plan [ [link removed] ] to invest more than $365 million to prevent the child care industry?s imminent collapse and ensure access to affordable child care statewide for working families. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Richland?*
On March 8, Gov. Evers visited Sunshine and Giggles LLC in Richland Center to highlight proposed investments in his 2023-25 biennial budget proposal to bolster child care and out-of-school programming statewide for working families. The governor proposed in his budget providing more than $340 million to make the successful Child Care Counts Program a permanent program and more than $22 million to support the Partner Up! Program at DCF. These proposals would later become major focuses of the governor?s comprehensive workforce plan [ [link removed] ] in his September special session of the Legislature. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Rock?*
On February 28, Gov. Evers hosted a press conference in Janesville to announce his 2023-25 Capital Budget recommendations, which included investing $15 million to demolish a vacant building and build a new year-round sports center that would include a 1,500-person capacity Main Arena and a 250-person capacity multi-purpose arena. While Republicans in the Legislature did not move this project forward in the budget process, in November, Gov. Evers announced [ [link removed] ] a $36.6 million investment into building projects across the state, including $15 million for the Janesville Sports and Convention Center. In addition to providing a regional venue for in-state athletic events, it is estimated this new facility will generate $23 million in new economic impact to the community. Photos from the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].

On April 20, Gov. Evers and DATCP Secretary RandyRomanski visited W. Hughes Farms in Janesville. Farm owner Willie Hughes is president of Farmers on the Rock, a non-profit farmer-led organization focused on using innovative and sustainable production practices that improve water quality and environmental sustainability. Farmers on the Rock had previously received more than $60,000 through the Producer-Led Watershed Protection Grant Program to support their conservation efforts.?A photo from the visit is?available here [ [link removed] ].?

On November 27, Gov. Evers visited Beloit to promote and celebrate ?Shop Small Wisconsin,? an initiative that promotes shopping small during the holiday season. Gov. Evers visited four businesses, including Bushel and Peck?s, Walnut Creek Apparel and Gifts, Flying Pig, and The Nest Egg. Several of the businesses visited were recipients of the Main Street Bounceback Grant Program. To date, the Main Street Bounceback Grant Program has helped more than 9,400 small businesses expand or move into storefronts in all 72 counties across the state, including in Rock County, where 171 businesses have received grants. Photos of the governor?s visits are available here [ [link removed] ], here [ [link removed] ], and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Rusk?*
On August 1, Gov. Evers visited Carlton Child Care LLC in Bruce during a statewide tour, urging the Legislature to invest in child care statewide to prevent the industry?s imminent collapse and ensure affordable care for working families. The governor proposed in his budget providing more than $340 million to make the successful Child Care Counts Program a permanent program and more than $22 million to support the Partner Up! Program at DCF. These proposals would later become major focuses of the governor?s comprehensive workforce plan [ [link removed] ] in his September Special Session of the Legislature. At the time of the governor?s visit, Carlton Childcare LLC had received $77,131 in Child Care Counts funding since 2021.?A photo from the visit?is available here [ [link removed] ].?

*Sauk*
On March 22, Gov. Evers?visited and toured the Reedsburg Area Medical Center in Reedsburg to highlight his efforts to expand BadgerCare and make significant investments in ensuring access to quality, affordable healthcare for Wisconsinites. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On May 3, Gov. Evers joined DATCP Secretary Romanski for a roundtable discussion at Valley Springs Farm Bed and Breakfast in Reedsburg to discuss farmer mental health with members of the Farmer Angel Network, which is a local organization focused on mental wellness and suicide prevention in rural communities. In his 2023 State of the State Address, Gov. Evers declared [ [link removed] ] 2023 the Year of Mental Health and called the state of mental health in Wisconsin a burgeoning crisis that requires urgent action and attention. Photos from the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On October 9, Gov. Evers attended the Indigenous Peoples? Day of Sauk County 2023 event hosted by the Ho-Chunk Nation and the Sauk County Historical Society at the Aldo Leopold Foundation to celebrate and recognize the vast historical and cultural contributions of Indigenous people to the state. Gov. Evers signed [ [link removed] ]?Executive Order #50 [ [link removed] ] in 2019 to annually designate the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples Day, and this year [ [link removed] ] marks the fifth consecutive year that Wisconsin has celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day. Photos of the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On November 22, Gov. Evers traveled to Baraboo to promote and celebrate ?Shop Small Wisconsin,? an initiative that promotes shopping small during the holiday season. Gov. Evers visited Etcetera by BLH, the Village Booksmith, which is owned by the Baraboo Mayor Rob Nelson, Nautical Coffee Co., Spirit Lake Trading Company, and Bekah Kate?s. Several of the businesses were also recipients of the Main Street Bounceback Grant Program. To date, the Main Street Bounceback Grant Program has helped more than 9,400 small businesses expand or move into storefronts in all 72 counties across the state, including Sauk County, where 76 businesses have received grants. Photos of the governor?s visits are available here [ [link removed] ], here [ [link removed] ], here [ [link removed] ], and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Sawyer?*
On March 13, Gov. Evers toured Hayward Intermediate School in Hayward to visit with students, teachers, and staff and to highlight his budget proposal to invest more than $2.6 billion in K-12 schools?the largest increase in funding for K-12 schools in state history?including targeted investments to improve reading and literacy, support school-based mental health services, provide universal school meals, and bolster the educator pipeline to help keep class sizes small. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On April 26, Gov. Evers and WEDC Secretary and CEO Hughes visited the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe School in Hayward and?announced [ [link removed] ] a Fabrication Laboratories (fablab) grant for the school. This is the first ever fab lab grant delivered to a Tribal school in Wisconsin. WEDC is providing a grant of $19,920 for the creation of a fab lab and expanded programming within the school. Photos from the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On August 10, Gov. Evers joined DWD for an event in Hayward at the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University as part of the department?s Winning with Wisconsin?s Workforce series. These events provide an opportunity for regional workforce development boards, employers, DWD, and community leaders to come together to showcase the state?s economic strengths and find opportunities to support local workforce development. The Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians previously received up to $4.6 million in grants [ [link removed] ] through the Workforce Innovation Grant Program to support local water infrastructure at a 32-unit workforce housing development. Photos from the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Shawano*
On April 18, Gov. Evers visited the Stockbridge-Munsee Community Band of Mohican Indians, where he toured storm damage and visited the Tribe?s sustainable garden. The sustainable garden, known as ?From the Earth,? was created in 2017 with the initial goal of food sovereignty for the Stockbridge-Munsee Community by growing fresh, affordable produce on the reservation. Since then, From the Earth has expanded to six acres and two high tunnels to extend their growing season, and last season produced and harvested over 13,000 pounds and shared it with the community. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Sheboygan?*
On March 9, Gov. Evers toured the Plymouth Public Library in Plymouth. The Plymouth Public Library has a robust afterschool program for kids and teens and previously received the Wisconsin Libraries Transforming Communities grant from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for their work. The governor was proud to sign a budget in July that provided an additional $6 million to support the work of public libraries across the state. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*St. Croix*
On April 13, Gov. Evers and DWD Secretary Pechacek visited Northwoods Technical College?s New Richmond campus and toured their recently delivered Mobile Welding Lab and training robotics. These projects were funded with the help of a nearly?$10 million Workforce Innovation Grant [ [link removed] ] that Gov. Evers awarded to Northwoods Technical College in June 2022. Photos from the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].

On August 25, Gov. Evers joined the New Richmond community for the dedication ceremony of the local New Richmond Post Office. At the ceremony, the building was renamed the ?Captain Robert C. Harmon and Private John R. Peirson Post Office.? Captain Harmon and Private Peirson were brothers from New Richmond who both served and made the ultimate sacrifice in World War II. Photos of the event are here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Taylor?*
On September 9, Gov. Evers visited Rib Lake Elementary School in the Rib Lake School District to continue his statewide tour to welcome students, teachers, and staff back to school for the 2023-24 school year.?Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Trempealeau*
On February 17, Gov. Evers and Lt. Gov. Rodriguez traveled to Osseo to visit?the Osseo-Fairchild School District, where they toured the Osseo-Fairchild Technical Education Center. While there, they spoke with students, teachers, and staff and highlighted the governor?s 2023-25 biennial budget proposal [ [link removed] ]to provide the largest increase for K-12 schools and education in state history, including targeted investments to improve reading and literacy outcomes, expand access to mental health services, provide universal school breakfast and lunch, bolster computer science education statewide, address staffing shortages to help keep class sizes small, and increase per pupil and special education aids.?Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Vernon?*
On February 16, a day after Gov. Evers delivered his 2023-25 Biennial Budget Address, the governor, Lt. Gov. Rodriguez, DWD Secretary Pechacek, and WEDC Secretary and CEO Hughes toured?Wonderstate Coffee?s roastery and distribution center in Viroqua and had a discussion with company leadership and employees about Wonderstate?s efforts to attract and retain workers. The conversation was focused on initiatives in the governor?s proposed budget, such as creating a first-of-its-kind Wisconsin paid family leave program and continuing the successful Child Care Counts Program. Unfortunately, these proposals did not receive support from Republicans in the budget process and later became major focuses of the governor?s September special session.?Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ].?

On June 21, Gov. Evers visited Hamburg Hills Farm in Stoddard, a family-owned, organic dairy farm, to sign [ [link removed] ] Senate Bill 247, now 2023 Wisconsin Act 13. Act 13 expands the Local Roads Improvement Program to include agricultural road improvement projects by creating the Agricultural Roads Improvement Program. This move by the governor to help support local agricultural road improvement projects statewide comes one day after he?enacted [ [link removed] ] 2023 Wisconsin Act 12 to provide a historic increase in state support to local communities across Wisconsin. Photos from the bill signing in Stoddard are available here [ [link removed] ]and here [ [link removed] ].

On June 26, in celebration of June Dairy Month, Gov. Evers visited Organic Valley?s Chaseburg Creamery in Chaseburg, where he was joined by DATCP Secretary Romanski. During their visit, they met with Organic Valley leadership, employees, and farmer-members of the cooperative, learned about the butter-making process, and sampled some of Organic Valley?s award-winning butter. Photos of the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Vilas?*
On December 11, Gov. Evers visited the Northland Pines School District in Eagle River to meet with students, teachers, and faculty and highlighted his support for Wisconsin?s kids and schools. The governor toured the middle and high schools, where he met with students in the technology education and the building trades programs. While there, he also spoke with students and staff about the district?s mental health programs. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Walworth?*
On April 19, Gov. Evers and DATCP Secretary Romanski, in celebration of Earth Week, visited and toured the Beulah Family Homestead in Elkhorn to discuss their sustainable farming efforts. Beulah Family Homestead, created by former Wisconsin Badger Basketball player Marcus Landry, is receiving a Local Food Purchase Assistance Program grant through DATCP, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, that aims to strengthen local food systems, support Wisconsin farmers, and distribute fresh, nutritious foods to underserved communities. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On September 6, Gov. Evers visited UW-Whitewater to help kick off the school year. While there, he visited with staff on campus and highlighted his comprehensive workforce plan, which included an additional more than $100 million investment in the state?s higher education institutions, including more than $40 million to support the WTCS and an additional $66.4 million for the UW System to help recruit, train, and retain talent in an effort to bolster the state?s workforce. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On November 27, Gov. Evers visited Delavan to promote and celebrate ?Shop Small Wisconsin,? an initiative that promotes shopping small during the holiday season. The governor visited LSJ Music Company, Brick Street Protein Deluxe, La Guanajuato Mexican Food Store, Brick Street Yarn, and Oficina de Multi-Servicios Delavan. Several businesses received grants through the Main Street Bounceback Grant Program. To date, the Main Street Bounceback Grant Program has helped more than 9,400 small businesses expand or move into storefronts in all 72 counties across the state, including Walworth County, where 116 businesses have received grants. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Washburn?*
On March 1, Gov. Evers and DOA Secretary Blumenfeld visited the Spooner DMV Customer Service Center and the Wisconsin State Patrol Spooner Post. During their visit, they highlighted the Evers Administration?s plan to replace existing, aging infrastructure with a new multidivisional facility to house the DMV and State Patrol Post, providing much-needed space and building efficiency. The project received an enumeration of more than $11 million in the budget signed by Gov. Evers this summer. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ].?

*Washington?*
On August 1, Gov. Evers visited Innovation Station Child Care in Richfield during a statewide tour, urging the Legislature to invest in child care statewide to prevent the industry?s imminent collapse and ensure affordable care for working families. The governor proposed in his budget providing more than $340 million to make the successful Child Care Counts Program a permanent program and more than $22 million to support the Partner Up! Program at DCF. These proposals would later become major focuses of the governor?s comprehensive workforce plan in his September special session of the Legislature. A photo from the visit is available here [ [link removed] ].?

Additionally, on August 16, Gov. Evers visited Little Folks School House in Kewaskum. While there, the governor was highlighting his efforts to prevent the child care industry?s collapse and ensure access to affordable child care statewide. At the time of the governor?s visit, Little Folks School House had received $584,014 in Child Care Counts funding since March 2020. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Waukesha *
On January 25, a day after delivering his 2023 State of the State Address, Gov. Evers, joined by Lt. Gov. Rodriguez, DWD Secretary Pechacek, and DCF Secretary Amundson, visited the Waukesha YMCA in Waukesha. While there, the governor highlighted the importance of investing in child care statewide, supporting student mental health, and workforce development in Waukesha County. A photo from the visit is available here [ [link removed] ].?

On April 7, Gov. Evers and WHEDA Secretary and Executive Director Moore visited Waukesha to tour and visit the Juno House, one of two houses owned by Hebron Housing Services. Juno House is a temporary home for women and families who find themselves without housing. Hebron Housing Services received $15,000 from the WHEDA Foundation Housing Grant Program to replace the roof and facia for Juno House. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On July 27, Gov. Evers continued his visits to highlight the need for meaningful investments in child care statewide to support working families and prevent the industry?s imminent collapse with a visit to Quad Care in Sussex. Quad Care is a child care service for both Quad employees and community members. The governor proposed in his budget providing more than $340 million to make the successful Child Care Counts Program a permanent program and more than $22 million to support the Partner Up! Program at DCF. These proposals would later become major focuses of the governor?s comprehensive workforce plan in his September Special Session of the Legislature. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Waupaca?*
On May 29, Gov. Evers gave remarks at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice as part of their Memorial Day Celebration. The Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery is located adjacent to the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King and has provided a final resting place for eligible veterans and their dependents since June 1888. This year?s ceremony honored 175 years of Wisconsin Service and Sacrifice. Since its inception, more than 7,613 veterans and their dependents have been buried in the cemetery.?A photo from the event is available here [ [link removed] ].?

On August 24, Gov. Evers attended the Waupaca County Fair and gave remarks at their recognition luncheon, where the governor received the 2023 Friend of the Waupaca County Fair award. The governor received this award for his support during the pandemic, which allowed them to continue their annual fair. Waupaca County Fair Inc. received $45,342.22 in Cultural Grant Awards and $200,000 in Event Venue and Live Event Small Business Assistance grants through federal relief funds. Photos from the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Waushara?*
On November 14, Gov. Evers visited the Coloma-based Operating Engineers Local 139 training center to celebrate Apprenticeship Week and their Externship Day with high school students and their families. The student apprentices had an opportunity to meet industry professionals and learn about the high-demand career path of an operating engineer. Photos from the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Winnebago*?
On March 2, Gov. Evers and DOA Secretary Blumenfeld visited UW-Oshkosh, where they toured the Donner and Taylor Residence Halls. In his 2023-25 Capital Budget recommendations, the governor recommended an investment of $57.6 million to renovate Donner Hall, built in 1962, and the connected Webster Hall, built in 1957, to better serve students living there. During the visit, they also heard about The Gruenhagen Conference Center, for which the governor recommended an investment of $20.4 million to replace the building?s failing plumbing infrastructure. The final 2023-25 biennial budget signed by Gov. Evers included these critical investments for the UW-Oshkosh campus. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ].?

On May 19, Gov. Evers visited and met with representatives from the U.S. Internet Light the Lake Project to tour their site in Butte Des Morts. U.S. Internet has received more than $5.8 million in Broadband Expansion Grants to support the Light the Lake Project, which has helped connect thousands of unserved and underserved homes and businesses to new or improved high-speed internet across Winnebago County. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ]?and here [ [link removed] ].?

On June 6, Gov. Evers and Tourism Secretary Sayers hosted a press conference at the EAA Aviation Museum in Oshkosh to announce the state had seen another record-breaking year [ [link removed] ] for tourism in 2022, with the tourism industry generating $23.7 billion in total economic impact.?Photos from the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On July 19, Gov. Evers visited the Boys and Girls Club of Menasha to continue urging the Legislature to invest in affordable, accessible child care statewide. Additionally, the 2023-25 budget signed by Gov. Evers provided an increase of $5 million for Boys and Girls Clubs across Wisconsin. This funding will ensure Boys and Girls Clubs can continue their much-needed work supporting kids and providing out-of-school programming, which is critical for working families to ensure kids have safe, supportive places to go and to help parents stay in the workforce. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

*Wood?*
On February 7, Gov. Evers toured the Laird Center and Library at Marshfield Clinic in Marshfield and had a conversation with leaders and researchers from the National Farm Medicine Center (NFMC) to discuss mental health initiatives for farmers and rural communities and the research NFMC is conducting around mental health. During his 2023 State of the State Address, Gov. Evers declared [ [link removed] ] 2023 the Year of Mental Health and called the state of mental health in Wisconsin a burgeoning crisis that requires the state?s urgent action and attention. Photos from the visit are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?

On March 15, Gov. Evers visited the Marshfield Clinic Health System YMCA to highlight proposed investments in his 2023-25 biennial budget to bolster child care and out-of-school programming statewide for working families. The governor proposed in his budget providing more than $340 million to make the successful Child Care Counts Program a permanent program and more than $22 million to support the Partner Up! Program at DCF. These proposals would later become major focuses of the governor?s comprehensive workforce plan in his September special session of the Legislature. Photos from the event are available here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].?
? An online version of this release is available here [ [link removed] ]. ###

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