Press Release: Gov. Evers Recognizes Public Employees, Celebrates Public Service Recognition Week and State Employee Appreciation Day

State of Wisconsin sent this bulletin at 05/04/2026 07:00 AM CDT
Office of Governor Tony Evers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 4, 2026
Contact: GovPress@wisconsin.gov 
 
Gov. Evers Recognizes Public Employees, Celebrates Public Service Recognition Week and State Employee Appreciation Day
During 2026 the Year of the Neighbor, Gov. Evers celebrates public servants and state employees for being good neighbors and serving Wisconsin kids, families, and communities
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today shared a video message celebrating Public Service Recognition Week and State Employee Appreciation Day throughout the state of Wisconsin and recognizing the good work public servants and state employees do for kids, families, and communities across the state. Earlier this year, Gov. Evers declared 2026 the Year of the Neighbor, underscoring the importance of community, togetherness, and doing the right thing, and the state’s dedicated public employees set an example of what it means to be a good neighbor by serving others and working every day to ensure Wisconsinites have the support and resources they need to thrive. 

Additionally, Gov. Evers proclaimed May 3 through May 9, 2026, as Public Service Recognition Week and May 6, 2026, as State Employee Appreciation Day in Wisconsin. A copy of the governor’s Public Service Recognition Week and State Employee Appreciation Day proclamation is available on Gov. Evers’ website.  

The governor’s video message recognizing Public Service Recognition Week and State Employee Appreciation Day is available for use below. A full transcript of the video message is also available below.

Gov. Evers Celebrates Public Service Recognition Week and State Employee Appreciation Day

Hey there, folks. Governor Tony Evers here. 

This week, we’re celebrating Public Service Recognition Week and State Employee Appreciation Day.

I declared 2026 the Year of the Neighbor in Wisconsin because I want to spend this year celebrating all the amazing neighbors who make our state the great place it is. The helpers who go above and beyond to help their neighbors and communities thrive.  

Folks, I’ve spent 50 years in public service, so I can say without a doubt that few exemplify what it means to be a good neighbor better than our public servants and state employees.  

From teachers to park rangers, clerks and librarians, correctional officers and first responders, emergency management, public health professionals, and countless others, these folks keep our communities and our state strong.  

Each and every day, they strive to perform their jobs with integrity and competence and professionalism, demonstrating a deep commitment to their communities and to all those they serve.  

And our communities, our state, and our country are better, safer, and stronger for it.  

I want to share a special thank you to all our outstanding state employees. Here in Wisconsin, we have over 30,000 state employees who live and work all across our great state. 

Whether helping veterans or small businesses, issuing professional licenses or driver’s licenses, or finding individuals jobs, housing, or healthcare, the services our state employees provide are absolutely vital.  

They ensure our state government is responsive and effective in meeting the needs of the people we serve, and I couldn’t be prouder to be your governor.   

Public service is one of the greatest gifts you can share, and I have been so fortunate to spend my career with so many amazing public servants.  

So, this week and every week, our hats go off to all of you. Thank you for all you do to serve our neighbors and our state.  

You have my deepest respect and appreciation. So, happy Public Service Recognition Week and State Employee Appreciation Day, Wisconsin.
 
An online version of this release is available here.
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