June 11, 2025 4:15p
(WGTD)---Gov. Evers paid a visit to Kenosha Wednesday for the dual purpose of emphasizing the importance of tourism to the state’s economy and highlighting a local tourist attraction.
Evers toured the mini-maritime museum that’s located in the two-story Southport Lighthouse Keeper’s home on Simmons Island. He also climbed a few steps of the lighthouse itself. "Obviously tourism is a major part of our economy in the state of Wisconsin but when we see something historical people are learning something and having fun at the same time," he said. "You can't beat it.
Evers’s tour guide for the visit was Kenosha History Center Director Chris Allen. He also examined several vintage AMC cars that were parked outside especially for the visit.
The governor has been visiting a number of tourist destinations to talk about new numbers that put tourism’s economic impact in the state last year at $25.8 billion dollars. That’s the third record in a row. The state’s tourism office contracts with specialists that analyze various types of data.
On another matter, Evers told reporters that he doesn’t envision any additional budget negotiations between himself and the state’s Republican legislative majority until after the Joint Finance Committee completes its work. "I think that's too premature. Right now Joint Finance is doing its work. I anticipate we won't get together (again) until that's all done," he said.
Budget negotiations between Evers and legislative Republicans broke down last week, and Joint Finance has begun to vote on the budget piece-by-piece, a process that's been the normal for the last several budget cycles.
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