New Gov. Tony Evers is expected to outline portions of his agenda Tuesday night when he delivers his first State of the State address. Observers are eager to hear what the Democrat will say.
READ: Evers Delivers His First State Of The State Address
UW-Milwaukee professor emeritus Mordecai Lee predicts the speech won't be very flashy. Rather, Lee says that Evers is likely to push the issues that he championed during his campaign.
Traditionally, Lee says governors like to "drop a bombshell" and past speeches have contained headline-grabbing policy proposals. But, he doesn't think Evers will follow suit. Lee predicts Evers' speech will be even-toned and he'll talk about familiar topics, such as health care, transportation and funding for public schools.
Lee doesn't think hot-button issues such as medical marijuana will be written into the speech, even though Evers recently signalled that he'll take the first steps toward providing a pathway toward legalization. Lee thinks such a policy item would be included in the budget address in coming weeks.
As for the response from the Republican-controlled Legislature, Lee predicts leaders will weigh-in on any changes in welfare programs, if Evers advocates for such alterations in his speech. Republicans passed laws last month before Evers took office, which limit his powers. One of those laws requires Evers to seek permission from lawmakers, if he wants to make changes to public benefits programs.
