MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today delivered the Democratic Radio Address highlighting initiatives in his 2023-25 biennial budget proposal to promote local housing development and affordable housing solutions, as well as a comprehensive, multi-pronged package of initiatives designed to address the unique challenges facing Wisconsin renters. More information regarding the governor’s plans to invest in safe, affordable housing for Wisconsin workers and families is available here.

Hey there, Governor Tony Evers here.

Folks, the need for affordable housing is one of the issues I hear most about as I travel across our state.

It’s also an issue that connects the dots between some of the most pressing challenges facing our state, whether it’s improving outcomes in our classrooms, retaining and recruiting a talented workforce, or making sure our communities have the infrastructure they need to thrive.

Lack of access to affordable housing will continue holding Wisconsin’s workforce and our economy back if we do not the make critical investments we need to today.

It’s why our budget takes a multi-pronged approach to make sure we have safe, reliable, and affordable housing across our state.

First, we know we can expand housing options in our communities by renovating and restoring housing that’s already available.

We’re investing $200 million into renovating and restoring existing residential properties, including providing low-interest and forgivable loans to help working families update and remediate lead in their current homes.

We’re also rebalancing landlord-tenant relationships and providing avenues for local governments to help protect renters and create better transparency so that the housing we already have available is safe and reliable for renters across our state.

We’re also working to build new housing statewide, creating a new Affordable Workforce Housing Program to build new, affordable housing across the state with a $150 million investment into local communities to maintain and develop workforce housing across our state.

Expanding access to safe, stable, and affordable housing is a key part of our work to support kids and families, strengthen our state’s workforce, and prepare our state for the 21st century.

We have to expand access to safe, affordable housing. And together we will. Thank you.