Gov. Evers Urges Bipartisan Support for Historic Capital Budget Projected to Generate Over $7 Billion in Economic Activity and 41,000 Jobs Statewide

MADISON —Gov. Tony Evers today, as the State Building Commission (SBC) prepares to meet later today, is urging the bipartisan members of the SBC to support his 2025-27 Capital Budget recommendations. The governor’s Capital Budget recommendations invest $4.1 billion to support major projects in 26 counties across the state that address the growing backlog of maintenance projects across the state’s infrastructure, invests in the future of the UW System, and modernizes corrections statewide, among other key priorities.

The governor’s recommended investments will help grow the economy by providing family-supporting jobs and supporting businesses throughout the state. According to updated numbers from the Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin, for every $1 in construction spending, there is $1.82 of economic activity in Wisconsin. Additionally, for every $1 million of construction spending, 10 jobs are supported in the state’s economy. As a result, it is estimated the governor’s proposed Capital Budget supports over $7.5 billion in economic activity and more than 41,300 jobs across the state.

“Investing in and building the 21st-century infrastructure, workforce, and economy that Wisconsinites deserve should be a bipartisan priority,” said Gov. Evers. “With a backlog of critical maintenance needs and costs rising for building materials and construction because of potential tariff taxes and reckless trade wars, these key projects will only grow more expensive with continued delays. We cannot afford to kick the can down the road.Whether it’s ensuring that our UW System remains at the forefront of education, research, and innovation or supporting our veterans, modernizing our correctional institutions, improving community safety, and protecting our natural resources, these projects are critically important for Wisconsinites, communities, and our state’s economy and our future.”

Highlights of projects included in Gov. Evers’ Capital Budget is available here.

Gov. Evers’ Capital Budget reflects a forward-looking approach to Wisconsin’s infrastructure, prioritizing smart investments that address aging facilities, enhance safety, and prepare state-owned buildings for the future. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and functionality, the governor’s budget aims to modernize public spaces, elevate higher education facilities, and create infrastructure that supports Wisconsin’s growing communities and evolving needs.

The announcement represents one of the strongest investments to date for Wisconsin’s facility infrastructure and significant planning funds to prepare important construction projects for future enumerations. The governor’s proposal also includes one of the highest investments in the All Agency program in state history, helping to extend the useful life of critical state-owned and university buildings, improve safety and reliability, and decrease operating costs, saving Wisconsin taxpayers money in the long term.

Wisconsin also faces a deferred maintenance backlog that has skyrocketed past $13 billion, with $3.4 billion in critical high-priority needs that demand immediate attention to prevent system failures, safety hazards, and costly emergency breakdowns. Neglecting these urgent repairs would only accelerate deterioration, putting essential public facilities and the communities they serve at risk, and bold, proactive investments in the All Agency program and Minor Facilities Renewal program is essential. By tackling these issues head-on, Wisconsin can modernize aging infrastructure, extend the life of critical assets, and avoid even more disruptive and expensive crises down the road.

Over the course of the past three budget cycles, due to obstruction by the Republican members of the commission to block critical projects, the SBC has consistently failed to develop a State Building Program. In the 2019-21 biennium, the SBC reviewed state agency requests and the governor’s 2019-21 Capital Budget recommendations and, in a disappointing and unprecedented turn of events, failed to provide recommendations for any of the items submitted on the agenda. This was the first time in SBC records the Commission did not collaborate to develop a State Building Program. Unfortunately, that trend continued in the 2021-23 and 2023-25 biennia as well.

The 2025-27 Capital Budget Agency Requests and Governor’s Recommendations can be found here.

The Building Commission is chaired by Gov. Evers and comprised of the following members:

• State Sen. Brad Pfaff;
• State Sen. Mary Felzkowski;
• State Sen. André Jacque;
• State Rep. Jill Billings;
• State Rep. Rob Swearingen;
• State Rep. Robert Wittke; and
• Citizen Member Barb Worcester.

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.