MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers delivered the Democratic Radio Address Thursday on the first meeting of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Rural Prosperity.

Audio file of radio address.

Hello, Wisconsin. Governor Tony Evers here.

During my 2020 State of the State Address, I said Wisconsin was ready to be a partner in the promise of posterity to our farm families and rural communities.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Wisconsin’s rural communities were facing challenges, but the pandemic has disrupted our agricultural supply chains, exposed gaps in broadband access, and threatened the health and well-being of our family and friends.

We know there are those who’ve told us there’s no place for small farms anymore—they ought to go big or bust.

Well, folks, they’re wrong—and they don’t know Wisconsin. We take care of one another, and we certainly don’t leave anyone behind. That’s why I’m happy to announce we are taking another step forward in doing just that.

This week, our Blue Ribbon Commission on Rural Prosperity will be holding their first meeting. This Commission is comprised of farmers and members from the agricultural industry from across our state. These folks will be gathering input from people on the challenges facing families, businesses, and communities in rural Wisconsin.

I know there’s no silver bullet to solving these issues, but we do know we have to invest in agricultural and rural communities across our state, and we have to start today. 

I’m looking forward to the work of this commission, and am excited to hear about their thoughts and yours about how we can make our state stronger, together.

Thank you.