eUpdate - Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski's 2 years in Office Newsletter

Dear Wisconsinites,

It's an honor serving as your Secretary of State. It is hard to believe I've completed my second year in this role, and as I look back, I am reminded of the scene I encountered when I first walked into this office: a backlog of unresolved cases, thousands of records in need of digitization, and a staff that lacked the support and resources it needed. It was a scene I never thought I would see in state government, and it underscored the severe threat to the constitutional duties of this office, which are essential to Wisconsin.

I am proud of what we’ve accomplished over the past two years, thanks to the support of Governor Evers and our partnerships with other agencies. Over the last year, we have:

• Completed a record-breaking 15,588 Apostille and Authentication cases
• Digitized a backlog of over 80,000 records
• Created a new, universal Apostille Certificate
• Began accepting e-payments
• Launched a new online order system
• Launched a new public records portal
• Hosted K-12 civic engagement programs at more than a dozen schools
• Partnered with municipalities to promote local government jobs through Federal Work Study
• Announced a record-breaking $70 million Common School Fund distribution for public schools in 2025
• Released a record-breaking $1.6 million Normal School Fund distribution for UW-System in 2024
• Financed 134 community projects statewide, totaling more than $102 million
• Brought together local, state, and federal forestry leaders to advance the future of our forest products industry

This is my second time transforming a constitutional office. First, I did it as Wisconsin’s State Treasurer, where we improved taxpayer transparency through our taxpayer report, expanded economic security through our homeownership program, and addressed retirement security. I'm using that same grit and innovation to transform the Secretary of State’s Office and set three goals for this office, which we will continue to work toward over my tenure:

1. Improve modernization, service delivery, and transparency
2. Strengthen democracy through civic engagement
3. Expand economic and community opportunities

As I complete my second year in office as Wisconsin’s Secretary of State, I’m excited to share the important work my office has accomplished and what lies ahead in 2025. I look forward to continuing to serve you, and please know that my door is always open.

Forward,

Improve Modernization, Service Delivery, and Transparency

Why this matters:

The Secretary of State’s Office serves as the official keeper of the Great Seal of the State of Wisconsin—a role that confirms the legitimacy of official government documents for use around the world. One of the office’s most important responsibilities is helping Wisconsinites navigate international matters. Whether someone is adopting a child from another country, doing business overseas, or studying abroad, they often need official documents authenticated to be legally recognized. But for too long, the authentication process was outdated and difficult to access. That’s why our office is committed to modernizing this service—making it faster, more reliable, and easier for people and businesses to get the documents they need.

In addition to authentication services, the office maintains thousands of official records from the governor, legislature, and local governments. Historically, only a fraction of these records were available online—limiting transparency and making it harder for the public to access important information. We’ve changed that by launching a new public records portal that makes these documents easier to find, view, and use. You can explore the portal here: https://sos-services.wi.gov.

I’m proud of the progress we’ve made to bring these essential services into the 21st century—and of our ongoing commitment to delivering better service to the people of Wisconsin. Here is what some of our customers had to say:

Our work and achievements:

• Reduced processing times from over a month to less than a week
• Managed a record of over 15,000 authentication cases
• Digitized over 84,000 documents
• Started accepting credit cards and Apple Pay
• Started offering e-services
• Implemented a universal Apostille certificate
• Digitalized thousands of records to enhance transparency and accountability
• Relaunched our website

What’s next:

Our modernization efforts are moving forward rapidly. Over the next year, we will be working to:

• Expand Online Services: Continue improving efficiency by bringing more services online at: sos-services.wi.gov
• Secure Filing: Add secure online filing and document transmission for improved transparency and security
• Digital Signatures: Historically, the office has relied on paper-based signature filing from clerks and registers of deeds, but as we transition into the digital era, we are working to implement secure digital validation methods
• Local Government Document Collection: in 2024 we completed the digitization of thousands of state records. Our next step is to collaborate with county officials to collect and preserve local government records as required by statute. By expanding access to these records, we help safeguard historical and legal documents while making them more accessible to both the public and government officials. This effort will improve transparency, boost administrative efficiency, and strengthen the integrity of public information system
• Align with International Standards: Update the Apostille and Authentication process to better align with the National Association of Secretaries of State and international best practices, including the implementation of E-Apostille

Strengthen Democracy through Civic Engagement

Why this matters:

A 2022 study showed that only 13% of 8th graders in the U.S. are proficient in civics, making it harder for them to engage in government and public service. At the same time, Wisconsin’s public sector is facing workforce challenges. With an aging population and fewer young people pursuing careers in government, many positions are left vacant, leaving local governments understaffed and under-resourced.

To address these challenges, we’re focused on building meaningful connections between government and young people. The goal is to support our local governments in practical, impactful ways while also introducing the next generation to careers in public service. Through this work, we can inspire a new wave of civic-minded leaders—and contribute to a public sector that is stronger, more responsive, and better equipped to meet the needs of our communities.

Our work and achievements:

• Encouraging Careers in Local Government : We’ve launched efforts to connect young people with internships and work study jobs in local government offices with clerks, treasurers, and registers of deeds. These opportunities provide real-world experience and encourage students to consider careers in public service, strengthening the workforce in critical areas. In a bipartisan effort, we led the charge to ensure clerks can utilize Federal Work Study funds—expanding opportunities for Wisconsin students and access to financial resources to support local government staffing needs. During a visit to UW-River Falls, City Clerk Amy White and I spoke with students like Evelyn W., who plans to pursue a career in public policy after graduation.

• Civics Activities for K-12 Students : To spark early interest in government, I’ve traveled across the state to visit schools and partner with after school programs to engage students in interactive story time and civics trivia. These initiatives help young people understand the role of state and local elected officials and the importance of government in their daily lives.

What’s next:

• Launch a Local Government Student Engagement Toolkit: We will help county constitutional officers engage young people in government, ensuring a pipeline of future leaders dedicated to public service
• Expand our school outreach programs: We will foster more opportunities for students to learn about government firsthand. If you’d like the Secretary of State to visit your school, please contact us. We’d love to come to your community!

Expand Economic and Community Opportunities

Why this matters:

As Wisconsin’s Secretary of State, my office plays a role in strengthening communities and supporting local economies—both essential to a thriving state. In my role as Chair of the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL), I oversee $1.5 billion in state trust funds, most notably the Common School Fund. Established in 1848 by the Wisconsin Constitution, the Common School Fund serves as Wisconsin’s permanent endowment for public education, ensuring schools receive dedicated funding for essential library resources.

In addition, BCPL strengthens communities through the State Trust Fund Loan Program, which finances local infrastructure, economic development, and community projects. These investments have helped fund everything from roadwork and broadband expansion to lead pipe replacement—efforts that bolster Wisconsin’s economy while improving the daily lives of residents.

Beyond these investments, my office is committed to expanding economic opportunities across Wisconsin. We are working to promote the state’s world-class forest products industry, a vital economic engine for many rural communities. As Secretaries of State across the country embrace their role in advancing their states’ economic interests, I am proud to champion Buy Wisconsin. This work aligns closely with the BCPL’s management of 80,000 acres of public lands, where responsible timber harvesting sustains our forests but also generates crucial revenue for BCPL to reinvest and give back to our schools. By leveraging these resources and advocating for Wisconsin businesses, we are strengthening local economies, creating jobs, and ensuring long-term prosperity for our state.

Our work and achievements:

• Strengthening Wisconsin’s Forestry Industry: We are working with the County Forests Association, the Governor’s Council on Forestry, and the Forest Products Lab to expand economic opportunities, drive innovation in wood-based products, and support sustainable forestry practices. I also like to visit county forests whenever I can to hear directly from local leaders about the challenges and opportunities in the sector.

• Historic Public School Distributions: Under my leadership, BCPL distributed $70 million to public schools for 2025—marking a 94% increase since I became BCPL Chair in 2019. This funding supports books, technology, and other critical learning resources, ensuring students have access to the tools they need to succeed. More than 90% of public school libraries in Wisconsin rely solely on this fund for library resources, making it a cornerstone of educational equity and opportunity. When traveling the state, I love getting to see how schools are creatively using this money to meet the needs of their students.

• Community Project Funding : Since becoming BCPL Chair, we’ve financed over 875 community projects, totaling nearly $600 million across Wisconsin through the State Trust Fund Loan Program. These funds have supported critical initiatives, including:
• More than $820,000 for the new Chili Fremont Fire Station & Community Center
• $3.4 million for the Sun Prairie Library Public Library expansion, which will provide more resources, increased access to technology, and an inclusive environment for the entire community (Sun Prairie Public Library receives millions in funding for expansion)

What’s next:

• Expanding Forestry and Economic Development Initiatives: We will continue to build on our partnerships with the forestry industry and research institutions, supporting sustainable economic opportunities and innovation
• Ensuring Strong Public School Distributions: By effectively managing trust fund assets effectively, we aim to maintain and grow financial distributions to Wisconsin’s public schools, ensuring long-term educational support
• Continuing to Fund Local Community Projects: Our office remains committed to financing essential projects that strengthen Wisconsin’s communities and infrastructure

I’m proud of how far we’ve come—and excited for what’s ahead. Thank you for the opportunity to share our work. I look forward to continuing to serve as your Secretary of State, and as always, my door is open. 

Please Stay Connected:

If you would like to keep in touch with my office, please:

• Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
• Visit our website
• Subscribe to our press releases
• Email my office at statesec@wisconsin.gov or give us a call at (608) 266-8888