MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today delivered the Democratic Radio Address highlighting his budget initiative, shared last month in his 2023-25 Biennial Budget Message, to create a first-of-its-kind Wisconsin Paid Family and Medical Leave Program.

Audio File of Radio Address.

Hey there, Governor Tony Evers here.

I always say that what’s best for our kids is what’s best for our state—and it’s what’s best for our families and our workforce, too.

I was proud to announce our budget makes major investments in supporting working families so we can bolster our workforce and maintain our economy’s momentum—and that includes a comprehensive approach to paid family and medical leave for workers and employers across the state.

According to a Marquette Law Poll, 73 percent of Wisconsin voters, including 62 percent of Republicans, support requiring businesses to provide paid leave for new parents.

So, I’m introducing a commonsense plan to ensure all public and most private employees have 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave.

The weeks after welcoming a baby to the family are critical—not only to have time together but for our kids’ future development.

And new parents aren’t the only ones who can benefit from a paid family leave program that truly meets the needs of our workforce.

Too often, folks are taken out of the workforce by unpredictable and untimely family emergencies—whether it’s a sick loved one, the unexpected closure of child care, or when a family member is deployed for active duty.

So, we’re also going to expand eligibility to cover more circumstances so workers can respond and put their family’s needs first.

We should be able to work together on policies that have broad, bipartisan support—especially if it helps bolster our workforce and do what's best for our kids.

So, let’s get this done. And I know that together we will.

Thank you.