Democratic Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers ignited fierce cultural debates this week through two major policy moves – a sweeping $535 million prison reform plan and controversial gender-neutral language changes in his 2025-2027 budget proposal that replaces “mother” with “inseminated person.”
Prison System Overhaul
Evers’ Department of Corrections budget calls for closing Green Bay Correctional Institution by 2029 and converting other facilities in what officials describe as a “domino effect” reorganization. Key elements include:
- Converting Stanley Correctional Institution to maximum security
- Transforming Lincoln Hills youth prison into adult medium-security facility
- Repurposing Waupun Correctional for job training programs
- Reducing total prison capacity by 700 beds
The plan expands earned release programs for non-violent offenders while facing Republican skepticism about costs and implementation timelines.
Language Controversy Erupts
Buried in the 1,917-page budget bill are proposed changes to family law terminology that have drawn national attention:
| Old Term | New Term |
|---|---|
| Mother | Inseminated Person |
| Biological Father | Natural Parent |
| Husband | Spouse |
Conservative activists immediately condemned the changes. Wisconsin Moms for Liberty organizer Scarlett Johnson stated: “This erases motherhood entirely – we’re now just ‘inseminated persons’ to progressives”. The governor’s office maintains the language updates reflect modern family structures.
Second Term Priorities
The 72-year-old governor, reelected in 2022, continues his pattern of clashing with Wisconsin’s Republican-controlled legislature. Recent achievements include:
- 36% funding increase for local governments through 2023 Act 12
- Vetoing income tax cuts for top earners
- Securing Milwaukee Brewers stadium funding
Evers’ administration remains focused on education reforms, infrastructure improvements, and expanding Medicaid access – all issues carried over from his first term. However, these latest proposals face uncertain prospects in the GOP-dominated statehouse.
