http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/voter-us-elections-s5.jpgVoter turnout up, but there is still room for improving elections in Wisconsin and encouraging greater voter engagement.

Group applauds Governor's bold statement in State of the State Address.

MADISON – In his first major policy speech – Tuesday’s State of the State Address – Gov. Tony Evers declared 2019 the “Year of Clean Drinking Water.”

Executive Director Kerry Schumann had this to say on Gov. Evers’ speech:

“There’s nothing more fundamental to our state’s health than safe, clean drinking water. It is unconscionable that thousands of people in Wisconsin can't drink the water from their taps. That’s why safe drinking water has been Wisconsin Conservation Voters’ top priority for the past four years. As more and more families face growing threats to their drinking water like like lead, manure, and nitrate contamination, Gov. Evers made a bold statement that it’s time to tackle this problem.

We know that elected officials are hearing over and over again from voters about this, and we are hopeful that decision makers from both sides of the aisle will work together to implement real solutions. Conservation voters across the state join me in saying ‘Thank you, Gov. Evers.’”

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Conservation Voters - Engaging voters to protect Wisconsin's environment.

MADISON - Following his first State of the State address to the people, Governor Tony Evers will travel the state this week to share with Wisconsinites his plans to build an economy that works for all of us, grow healthier communities, invest in our kids and our schools, and find a sustainable solution for better roads and infrastructure.

Today, January 23rd, the governor will visit western Wisconsin.

The events below are open to members of the media.

Wednesday, January 23rd, 2019

Marshfield

WHO: Governor Tony Evers

WHAT: Media Availability at Marshfield Clinic--Eau Claire Center

WHEN: 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: 2310 Craig Rd, Eau Claire, WI 54701

Chippewa Valley

WHO: Governor Tony Evers

WHAT: Tour of Chippewa Valley Technical College

WHEN: Wednesday, January 23rd, 2019; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

WHERE: 620 W Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701

Viroqua

WHO: Governor Tony Evers

WHAT: Viroqua Main Street walk

WHEN: Wednesday, January 23rd, 2019; 3:15-4:15p.m.

WHERE: Viroqua Visitor Center, 201 North Main Street, Viroqua, WI 54665

Ever's State of the State Address is great first step towards fulfilling public mandate to guarantee affordable health care in Wisconsin.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/tony-evers-2019-sos-address-s5.jpgGovernor Tony Evers takes on healthcare, education and taxes in his first major speech since he delivered his inaugural address at the state Capitol.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/mining_wisconsin_senate_s5.jpgMadison Republicans claim they want to protect people with pre-existing conditions, but Wisconsin cannot afford to go back to 2008 when health care costs were skyrocketing and health insurance lacked the necessary coverage.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/kewaunee-harbor-family-s5.jpgConservation Group urges support of LRB 1197 to protect private well drinking water.

Years of Borrowing, Raiding Veterans Nursing Homes behind Year-End Balance

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/clergy-sexual-abuse-s5.jpgClergy abuse survivors group claims additional sex offenders known by Bishop Ricken not named in Thursday's release, and that former Bishop Zubik destroyed abuser priest files before leaving for Pittsburgh in 2007.

Veteran public servant from the State Patrol ranks has law enforcement career spanning nearly 30 years.

MADISON - Governor Tony Evers today announced the appointment of Major Anthony Burrell as Superintendent of the Wisconsin State Patrol effective January 20, 2019.

Raised in Milwaukee, Burrell has a law enforcement career spanning nearly 30 years.

After graduating with the State Patrol's 40th recruit class in July of 1990, Burrell began his career as a trooper in St. Croix County. In 2006, he was promoted to Sergeant, to Lieutenant in 2012, and in March of 2015, Burrell was named Captain of the 11-county Northeast Region – Fond du Lac Post. Following the tragic shooting death of Trooper Trevor Casper on March 24, 2015, Burrell was awarded the Medal of Valor - the State Patrol's highest decoration for bravery.

"Major Anthony Burrell has a long and decorated history of public service," Evers said. "Under his leadership, the Wisconsin State Patrol will continue to prioritize the safety of Wisconsinites and help build stronger communities."

In December of 2016, Burrell was promoted to Major and Deputy Director of the State Patrol's Bureau of Field Operations which oversees about 385 law enforcement personnel and an annual budget of $45 million.

President of the National Black State Troopers Coalition, Burrell has a Bachelor's Degree in Finance and a minor in Management from Upper Iowa University. He is also a graduate of the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety. Burrell and his wife Brenda have two children.

"The men and women of the Wisconsin State Patrol have a proud, 80-year history of public service and I'm humbled for the opportunity to carry on that tradition," Burrell said. "I've always believed that working in law enforcement is a noble calling, a way to enhance public safety while making a positive impact on the citizens and communities we serve."

Former Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent J.D. Lind retired as State Patrol Superintendent last fall following nearly 25 years in law enforcement.