Press Release: Gov. Evers Signs Bills to Provide Wage Increases for State Workers, Expand UTV Outdoor Recreation Opportunities

State of Wisconsin sent this bulletin at 02/06/2026 01:17 PM CST
Office of Governor Tony Evers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 6, 2026
Contact: GovPress@wisconsin.gov 
 
Gov. Evers Signs Bills to Provide Wage Increases for State Workers, Expand UTV Outdoor Recreation Opportunities
 
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today signed five bipartisan bills—the first enacted bills of 2026—including providing wage increases for state workers, including workers at the University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin State Patrol troopers and inspectors, and members of the building trades, as well as expanding utility terrain vehicle (UTV) outdoor recreation opportunities.

“Wisconsin has a proud history of being a pro-worker state, and I’m glad that we were able to uphold that tradition today by ensuring our state workers and troopers are being fairly compensated for their hard work and service to our state,” said Gov. Evers. “These folks play a critical role in ensuring our kids, families, and communities are safe and have the 21st-century infrastructure needed to succeed, and I’m glad to be providing this well-deserved wage adjustment for their important work.”

Today, the governor signed five bills, including:

Assembly Bill 786, now 2025 Wisconsin Act84:
  • Ratifies the collective bargaining agreement for state of Wisconsin employees in the building trades crafts collective bargaining unit for fiscal year 2025-2026, providing a 2.95 percent general wage adjustment for employees within this bargaining unit, effective June 29, 2025.  
  • The agreement was negotiated between the state of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin State Building Trades Negotiating Committee to provide a pay increase that matches the increase in the consumer price index. 
Assembly Bill 787, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 85:
  • Ratifies the collective bargaining agreement for University of Wisconsin (UW) System employees in the building trades crafts collective bargaining unit for fiscal year 2025-2026, providing a 2.95 percent general wage adjustment for employees within this bargaining unit, effective June 29, 2025.  
  • The agreement was negotiated between the Board of Regents of the UW System and the Wisconsin State Building Trades Negotiating Committee to provide a pay increase that matches the increase in the consumer price index. 
Assembly Bill 788, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 86:
  • Ratifies the collective bargaining agreement for UW-Madison employees in the building trades crafts collective bargaining unit for fiscal year 2025-2026, providing a 2.95 percent general wage adjustment for employees within this bargaining unit, effective June 29, 2025.  
  • The agreement was negotiated between UW-Madison and the Wisconsin State Building Trades Negotiating Committee to provide a pay increase that matches the increase in the consumer price index. 
Assembly Bill 789, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 87:
  • Ratifies the collective bargaining agreement for State Patrol troopers and inspectors in the public safety employees bargaining unit for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, providing a 3.0 percent general wage adjustment, effective June 29, 2025, and an additional 2.5 percent general wage adjustment, effective June 28, 2026. 
  • The agreement was negotiated between the Division of Personnel Management within the Wisconsin Department of Administration and the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Association. 
Senate Bill 339, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 83:
  • Raises the maximum allowable weight limit for UTVs from 3,000 to 3,500 pounds without fluids to better reflect the weight range as currently produced by manufacturers and to provide additional recreational opportunities. 

“Whether it’s on the job, on the farm, or for off-road recreation, Wisconsinites across the state use and rely on terrain vehicles for work and pleasure, making it important we ensure folks can use UTVs safely and responsibly on our trails and roads,” said Gov. Evers. “I’m glad there was bipartisan support to get this bill passed today so we can make sure more UTVs are being registered and legally operated while also continuing to support both our state’s manufacturing industry and our already-booming outdoor recreation industry.”
 
An online version of this release is available here.
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