Gov. Evers’ biennial state budget prioritizes clean water, clean energy, and public lands for Wisconsin
MADISON – Wisconsin Conservation Voters applauds Gov. Tony Evers for making historic investments in clean water in his 2025-27 biennial budget. The Governor’s commitment to addressing PFAS contamination, replacing lead service lines, and protecting private well owners from dangerous contaminants like nitrate is a crucial step toward ensuring safe drinking water for all Wisconsinites.
The budget includes over $300 million to remove lead from service lines, schools, child care centers, and homes – protecting Wisconsin children from dangerous lead levels. More than $145 million is allocated to combat toxic, cancer-causing PFAS contamination statewide by supporting stronger groundwater standards, cleanup efforts, and emergency response resources. The budget also expands and increases funding for the well compensation grant program.
Gov. Evers’ budget also supports efforts to drive clean energy in Wisconsin by funding a Green Bank that allows Wisconsin businesses, local governments, and nonprofits to fund renewable energy projects. This $50 million sustainable funding effort ensures that Wisconsin can continue to transition our energy to cleaner and more affordable energy options. The budget also increases money for Focus on Energy and other energy conservation efforts.
“The cheapest and cleanest energy is that which we don’t have to produce,” said Government Affairs Director Jennifer Giegerich. “The transition to a clean energy economy is already underway, and Gov. Evers’ budget will help build on that momentum, helping to create a more robust economy and protect the Wisconsin we love – for us and for future generations.”
Another budget highlight is the reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, now featuring a $3 million fund for State-Tribal conservation projects. The overall increase of bonding to $100 million a year for 10 years for the Knowles Nelson Stewardship Fund will allow for more land purchases and greater maintenance of these lands for all Wisconsinites to enjoy.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
More about the Lead Crisis
- MTEA Statement on Lead Exposure in MPS Buildings - Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association - Apr 30th, 2025
- Statement from Supervisor Juan Miguel Martinez on Lead Hazards in MPS Buildings - Sup. Juan Miguel Martinez - Apr 29th, 2025
- MPS Closing Two More Schools For Lead Hazards - Jeramey Jannene - Apr 28th, 2025
- Milwaukee Public Schools Enters New Phase of Lead Cleanup - Milwaukee Public Schools - Apr 28th, 2025
- What To Know and How To Keep Kids Safe From Lead Poisoning - Evan Casey - Apr 25th, 2025
- Congresswoman Gwen Moore and Senator Tammy Baldwin Urge HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to Reinstate Childhood Lead Poisoning Experts at CDC, Push for Approval of Milwaukee’s Request for Federal Assistance - U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore - Apr 23rd, 2025
- MPS’s Fernwood School to Reopen Following Lead Remediation Work - Milwaukee Public Schools - Apr 22nd, 2025
- Milwaukee School Board May Sue Paint Companies Over Lead Crisis - Evan Casey - Apr 19th, 2025
- Trump Administration Axed Federal Employees Needed for MPS Lead Crisis - Jeramey Jannene - Apr 14th, 2025
- New MPS Superintendent Dumps Beleaguered Facilities Director - Jeramey Jannene - Apr 3rd, 2025
Read more about Lead Crisis here
More about the PFAS Problem
- French Island Makes Progress on PFAS Pollution - Richelle Wilson and Trevor Hook - Mar 24th, 2025
- Who Will Pay for PFAS Pollution? - Bennet Goldstein - Feb 27th, 2025
- Gov. Evers’ biennial state budget prioritizes clean water, clean energy, and public lands for Wisconsin - Wisconsin Conservation Voters - Feb 18th, 2025
- Gov. Evers Announces Comprehensive Plan to Ensure Clean Water for Kids and Families in 2025 Year of the Kid - Gov. Tony Evers - Feb 18th, 2025
- GOP Lawmakers Propose School Water Filters to Address PFAS, Lead - Danielle Kaeding - Feb 14th, 2025
- Wisconsin Conservation Voters thank Gov. Evers for prioritizing public health, urges bipartisan prioritization of baseline PFAS groundwater standards - Wisconsin Conservation Voters - Feb 5th, 2025
- Evers Announces $145 Million Plan to Address PFAS - Danielle Kaeding - Feb 4th, 2025
- Senator Jodi Habush Sinykin Praises Governor Evers’ Proactive Plan to Address PFAS in Our Water - State Sen. Jodi Habush Sinykin - Feb 4th, 2025
- Gov. Evers Announces New Plans to Combat PFAS, Protect Kids and Families from Harmful Contaminants, and Expand Access to Clean, Safe Drinking Water - Gov. Tony Evers - Feb 4th, 2025
- Gov. Evers Kicks Off 2025 Year of The Kid with Efforts to Ensure Kids and Families Have Access to Safe, Clean Drinking Water - Gov. Tony Evers - Jan 28th, 2025
Read more about PFAS Problem here