AFP-WI Slams Governor Evers for Blocking Small Business Growth and Local Control

Madison, WI – Americans for Prosperity–Wisconsin (AFP-WI) is calling out Governor Tony Evers for vetoing AB 211—a commonsense bill that would have given local communities the freedom to allow new cigar lounges and opened doors for entrepreneurs.

The 2009 Indoor Clean Air Act grandfathered existing lounges but banned new ones, creating a monopoly and shutting out small business owners. AB 211 would have fixed this by letting communities—not Madison bureaucrats—decide.

AFP-WI Legislative Director Jerry Ponio released the following statement:

“This veto isn’t about public health—it’s about political optics. Governor Evers had a chance to stand up for small businesses and local decision-making and he failed.

“Even Illinois and Minnesota—states also led by Democratic governors—have moved to modernize their laws to allow new cigar lounges under strict conditions. Governor Evers had the same opportunity to empower local choice, but instead he doubled down on outdated regulations and protected monopolies.”

As highlighted in AFP’s American Potential podcast, entrepreneurs like Marine Corps veteran Jim Thompson have plans and funding ready to go—but outdated laws keep them from opening.

Wisconsin families and small businesses deserve freedom – not the top down control of the Evers administration. AFP-WI will keep pushing for reforms that unleash growth and choice—and we urge Wisconsinites to speak out and stand with us.