As part of our gubernatorial candidate podcast series, Democratic candidate Kelda Roys discussed her vision for Wisconsin’s economy, affordability, workforce, education, healthcare, and state government. Throughout the interview, Roys emphasized lowering costs for families and businesses through investments in childcare, housing, education, and healthcare while advocating for stronger oversight of emerging industries such as AI and data centers.

Below are some of the major policy themes discussed during the conversation.

Addressing Affordability

Roys described affordability as Wisconsin’s most significant challenge, arguing that rising costs affect both families and employers.

She highlighted several areas driving affordability concerns, including:

• Childcare.
• Housing.
• Healthcare.
• Energy costs.
• Workforce stability.

She argued that reducing these costs would improve Wisconsin’s economic competitiveness and make it easier for businesses to attract and retain employees.

Education

Education was a central focus throughout the interview.

Roys proposed:

• Increasing funding for K-12 public schools.
• Investing more in higher education.
• Phasing out Wisconsin’s private school voucher program.
• Redirecting public education funding toward public schools.

She argued that stronger public education investments are essential to workforce development and long-term economic growth.

Childcare and Workforce Development

Roys identified childcare as Wisconsin’s largest workforce investment gap.

She proposed:

• Universal early childhood education.
• Expanded childcare access.
• Funding childcare investments through tax revenue generated by legalizing cannabis.

She argued that improving childcare availability would increase workforce participation while helping employers address labor shortages.

Housing and Workforce Growth

Roys said Wisconsin’s aging population requires a comprehensive workforce strategy.

She emphasized increasing affordable housing for young workers while connecting housing policy with broader investments in:

• Education.
• Childcare.
• Healthcare.
• Workforce development.

She argued these policies must work together to strengthen Wisconsin’s labor force.

Healthcare

Healthcare affordability was another major priority. Roys proposed allowing Wisconsin residents and employers to purchase coverage through the state employee health insurance plan.

She argued this public buy-in option would:

• Increase competition.
• Lower healthcare costs.
• Expand access to affordable coverage for families and small businesses.

Supporting Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs

Roys emphasized supporting Wisconsin entrepreneurs rather than relying primarily on large corporate incentive packages.

Her priorities included:

• Investing in locally owned businesses.
• Encouraging entrepreneurship.
• Reducing dependence on large economic development subsidies.

She argued that sustainable economic growth comes from strengthening Wisconsin businesses already operating in local communities.

Shared Revenue and Local Government

Roys called for reforming Wisconsin’s shared revenue formula to provide additional funding to municipalities.

She also supported restoring greater local control over:

• Economic development.
• Housing decisions.
• Community planning.

She argued stronger local governments are better positioned to respond to community needs.

Data Centers

Roys devoted significant attention to regulating data center development.

Rather than supporting a moratorium, she advocated for immediate statewide standards that would require:

• No taxpayer subsidies.
• Environmental protections.
• Labor standards.
• Local government approval.
• Greater transparency.
• Clear statewide regulatory certainty for developers.

She also proposed creating a state-level negotiating team that local governments could use when working with large technology companies.

Artificial Intelligence

Roys discussed regulating artificial intelligence alongside broader technology policy.

She supported expanding state oversight of:

• Consumer protections.
• Children’s online safety.
• Healthcare applications.
• Data privacy.
• Algorithm accountability.

She argued thoughtful regulation would encourage innovation while protecting Wisconsin residents.

Fiscal Policy

Roys opposed the bipartisan budget surplus agreement, arguing that it would create long-term structural deficits in future state budgets. She said Wisconsin should prioritize investments that provide lasting affordability rather than one-time financial relief.

Governing Philosophy

Throughout the interview, Roys emphasized practical leadership built on collaboration and relationship-building. She argued that governors must work respectfully with legislators from both parties while remaining committed to core policy principles. She also described herself as an independent Democrat focused on governing for all Wisconsinites through pragmatic, results-oriented policymaking.

Key Takeaways

Throughout the conversation, Roys consistently emphasized:

• Lowering costs for families and businesses by addressing affordability.
• Increasing funding for public education while phasing out the private school voucher program.
• Expanding universal early childhood education and childcare access.
• Allowing residents and employers to buy into the state employee health insurance plan.
• Increasing affordable housing as part of a broader workforce strategy.
• Reforming shared revenue and restoring greater local control.
• Supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses over large corporate incentive packages.
• Establishing strong statewide regulations for data centers, including environmental protections, labor standards, local control, and no taxpayer subsidies.
• Expanding oversight of artificial intelligence and technology to strengthen consumer protections and privacy.
• Governing through bipartisan collaboration while maintaining long-term fiscal responsibility and focusing on practical solutions to improve affordability and economic opportunity.