POLITICS

Madison: Evers Delivers Final Address, Sparks Legislative Debate

PUBLISHED Feb 17, 2026, 7:42 PM ET

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Madison: Evers Delivers Final Address, Sparks Legislative Debate

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 13

Left 15%

Center 77%

Right 8%

Sources: 13

Madison. Governor Tony Evers delivered his eighth and final State of the State address Tuesday, outlining education, infrastructure and tax priorities while calling the Republican-controlled Legislature into a special session to pursue a constitutional amendment banning partisan gerrymandering. He reiterated demands that any surplus spending plan include K-12 funding and highlighted his administration’s achievements, including school funding increases and signing fair legislative maps in February 2024. Lawmakers held pre-speech news conferences. Republicans responded with mixed reactions, pressing for property tax relief and differing surplus proposals that do not boost general school aid. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Najma A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

February 2024: Governor Evers signs fair legislative maps into law.
Early February 2026: Legislative leaders hold separate news conferences ahead of the address.
Tuesday, February 2026: Evers delivers his eighth and final State of the State address.
During the address: Evers announces an executive order calling a special session to pursue a ban on partisan gerrymandering.
Post-address: Republicans present surplus proposals excluding increased general school aid; negotiations continue.

News Intelligence

Governor Evers' final address affects your wallet and your community. His focus on education funding could impact local schools. The proposed ban on partisan gerrymandering could change how your district is drawn. Check your local news for updates on these issues.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 13
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 2
Neutral:: 10
Distribution:: Left 15%, Center 77%, Right 8%

Who Benefited

Proponents of nonpartisan redistricting, public school advocates, and voters prioritizing education funding benefited from Governor Evers' proposals and executive actions.

Who Impacted

Republican legislators seeking to prioritize property tax relief without increasing general school aid faced criticism and potential legislative friction following Evers' address.