Governor Evers speaks at Titletown Tech on July 14th, 2021.
(WTAQ-WLUK) — A key talking point in Democratic Governor Tony Evers’ State of the State address included gun law reform measures like universal background checks and a red flag law.
Despite numerous unsuccessful attempts in years past, Evers stresses this time around should have a different outcome.
“We have to do some things that we know the people of Wisconsin want. And there’s a group of people, mostly Republicans, that especially with gun issues, that they’re just not gonna do anything,” said Evers during a Thursday visit to Oshkosh. “Well, they’re gonna get their butts kicked out of office sooner or later, because the people of Wisconsin expect just some minor things that are not going to do anything to the Second Amendment.”
“This isn’t a gun problem, this is a mindset problem. And we need to take care of some of that stuff,” said State Rep. Jerry O’Connor, R-Fond du Lac. “I am open to looking at reasonable solutions.”
An area where there might be some agreement on with reducing gun violence is locking up firearms. Republicans have brought forth a measure to make the sale of gun safes in Wisconsin exempt from sales taxes. Similar bills have been introduced before, but those never made it through the legislature.
State Senator Van Wanggaard, R-Racine is a co-author of this measure. He said in a statement:
This is a common sense measure to enhance gun safety. It helps people secure their weapons when they wish. I’ve been working on this bill for 10 years, and I hope that this is the year we get it across the finish line.
Governor Evers said this is a potential way to mitigate gun violence.
“We do it. We do it in a nanosecond. See, that’s a good example,” said Evers. “There are things out there that aren’t a threat to the Second Amendment. So, let’s do it.”
Republicans’ top priority remains to be providing tax relief for Wisconsinites.
“If we have a surplus, what does that tell you as a taxpayer? I’ve been overcharged. You know what, I want my change just like I do at any other establishment,” said Rep. O’Connor.
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