Gov. Evers Cutting State Spending By $250M

MADISON, WI — Wisconsin's Department of Administration has been instructed to work with state agencies to identify $250 million in savings for the current fiscal year, Gov. Tony Evers' office announced in a news release Wednesday.

Earlier this year, Evers directed the DOA to cut $70 million in cost savings for the 2019-2020 fiscal year.

His new directive, the release states, is intended to help Wisconsin maintain critical services for residents during the current 2020-2021 fiscal year amid the pandemic caused by the new coronavirus.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a tremendous impact on our nation, state, communities, businesses, and families,” Evers said in a statement. “All state and local governments are now experiencing the difficult balance of providing vital services to residents in crisis while also managing tough fiscal realities. While I am still hopeful that the federal government will adopt further bipartisan proposals to stabilize funding for state and local services, in the face of continued inaction and uncertainty, the unfortunate reality is that we must take these steps and make more significant cuts.”

Evers said cuts will be made following "North Star Values" that focus on saving costs while still providing necessary and timely services for Wisconsinites, maintaining transparency and accountability, and emphasizing "humility, creative problem-solving, service, flexibility, truth and patience."