Wisconsin Governor Evers to Give Final State of the State Address

GOP Lawmakers Propose Property Tax Relief Plan Ahead of Address

Feb. 17, 2026 at 8:31pm

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Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers will deliver his final State of the State address on Tuesday evening, as Republican legislative leaders have aligned on a plan for the state's $2.4 billion budget surplus that includes property tax relief. The split government in Madison has led to a contentious relationship between Evers and Republicans, but both sides are looking at property tax relief proposals after bills jumped in December.

Why it matters

The State of the State address provides an opportunity for the governor to outline his policy priorities and legislative goals for the year, which will likely face resistance from the GOP-led legislature. However, the potential for bipartisan agreement on issues like property tax relief, education funding, and addressing water pollution could signal a shift in the divided government dynamic.

The details

Republican leaders have proposed a plan to return the state's budget surplus to taxpayers in the form of a $500 ($1,000 married-joint) income tax rebate. In exchange, they have agreed to Evers' request for $200 million in special education funding and other education and social service initiatives. The two sides appear to be making progress on finding compromise, though details still need to be worked out.

  • Evers will deliver his final State of the State address on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
  • Wisconsin reported a $2.4 billion budget surplus in January 2026.
  • Property tax bills in Wisconsin jumped in December 2025.

The players

Tony Evers

The Democratic governor of Wisconsin who will be delivering his final State of the State address.

Robin Vos

The Republican Speaker of the Wisconsin State Assembly.

Devin LeMahieu

The Republican Majority Leader of the Wisconsin State Senate.

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What they’re saying

“After recently meeting with Republican leaders, Gov. Evers offered a compromise to Republican leaders on a plan that will provide tax relief while doing what's best for our kids by increasing investments in public schools across our state.”

— Governor Tony Evers

“in the spirit of compromise and out of the urgent need to return this surplus to the taxpayers, we will agree to”

— Robin Vos and Devin LeMahieu, Assembly Speaker and Senate Majority Leader

What’s next

If both chambers and the governor can come to an agreement on the property tax relief plan, they will try to work quickly to pass legislation before the legislature's session ends in one month.

The takeaway

The final State of the State address from Governor Evers comes at a pivotal time, with Republicans and Democrats in Wisconsin finding some common ground on issues like property tax relief and education funding despite their historically contentious relationship. The address will be closely watched for signs of potential bipartisan compromise in the final year of Evers' term.