Evers Signs Executive Orders Regarding Rural Prosperity
Sunday, January 26th, 2020 -- 1:00 PM
(Wisconsin Ag Connection) -One day after laying out plans to help Wisconsin's struggling farmers in his State of the State Address, Gov. Tony Evers has signed a pair of executive orders that would create a Blue Ribbon Commission on Rural Prosperity, while calling the Legislature into special session next week to consider an array of bills to the tune of $8.5 million to address rural economic challenges facing the agricultural industry.On Thursday, the governor reiterated the details of his three-pronged plan that includes investments in mental health, farm-to-school and farm-to-fork programs, and increasing dairy exports. Legislation highlighted in the Executive Order includes the creation of the Wisconsin Initiative for Dairy Exports; creating a regional mental health program to coordinate and provide mental health support in rural communities; bolstering Wisconsin's farm-to-school program; and establishing a farm-to-fork program that will help connect farmers and the food they produce to universities, technical colleges, hospitals, and local businesses. Evers also announced he will be working with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to establish the Office of Rural Prosperity to provide assistance to Wisconsinites in navigating state programs and resources tailored to rural communities, businesses and workers.
And although Evers' plans did garner bipartisan support, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos issued a statement on Thursday saying the Assembly will not be on the floor next week and that the bills will be referred to various committees for hearings. Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said in his own statement that he's interested in learning more about Evers' proposals, but could not promise much action before the Senate adjourns in March.
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