MADISON  — Gov. Tony Evers today delivered the Democratic Radio Address highlighting his special session that will take place September 20th and urging Republican Legislators to vote to invest in creating a first-of-its-kind Wisconsin Paid Family and Medical Leave program that would provide up to 12 weeks of paid leave to all public and most private employees in the state. More information on the governor’s special session plan is available here.

Audio File of Radio Address.

Hey there, folks. Governor Tony Evers here.

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

Earlier this year, I proposed a comprehensive budget plan to address our state’s longstanding workforce challenges, support working families, and maintain our economic momentum.

Unfortunately, the Republicans in the Legislature rejected many of those efforts. That’s why, on September 20th, I’m calling a special session of the Legislature to complete their work on the budget.

That includes creating a first-of-its-kind Wisconsin Paid Family and Medical Leave Program.

This program will provide all public and most private employees with 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave.

Paid Family and Medical Leave helps ensure working parents can put their kids and families first without having to leave the workforce due to a major life event and helps us compete with employers in other states who do have paid leave.

We’re also going to expand eligibility, so workers have the flexibility to respond to their families’ unique needs.

Folks, this isn’t a partisan issue —73 percent of Wisconsin voters, including 62 percent of Republicans, support requiring businesses to provide paid leave for new parents.

We should be able to work together on policies that have broad, bipartisan support—especially if it helps support working families.

I’m urging lawmakers to come in, do the right thing, and get this done for Wisconsin on September 20th.

Thank you.