Another chance to work together

Here we go again? Let’s hope not. Governor Tony Evers was sworn in for his second term yesterday, while newly elected state legislators took their oath. After two years of political gridlock in Madison, the state once again has a Democratic Governor and a Republican Legislature. As a result, little has gotten done. They didn’t even really try, taking off the last nine months of the year. Evers knows they can block his legislation, but is calling for unity among the opposing parties for the good of the state. He has outlined general priorities as he prepares his new state budget, calling for expanding Medicaid coverage, attracting more workers to the state, particularly in health care, more state aids to cities and towns, and fighting water pollution from PFAS chemicals. Surely there must be some agreement on some of those issues. But no agreement will come on anything if our lawmakers don’t even bother to hold debates and public hearings and try to advance legislation that can improve the lives of Wisconsinites. Republican leaders could show a willingness to work with Evers by finally holding confirmation hearings for 180 appointees they have blocked. That would be a sign of being to work together, and should be the first step our lawmakers take when they finally return to session.