In his State of the State Address this evening, Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle is expected to discuss health care, education and other issues on his second-term agenda.

With one house of the state Legislature now controlled by a Democratic majority, Doyle, a Democrat, may also look to make progress in areas where he was previously blocked by Republicans.

"Tonight's 7 p.m. speech will outline Doyle's agenda for the next four years," said Doyle spokesperson Carla Vigue.

One main push of the speech will be improving the quality and affordability of health care for Wisconsin citizens, Vigue added.

"The governor will propose a bold effort to make Wisconsin America's health-care leader," Vigue said.

Addressing the state budget — which faces a $1.6 billion deficit — Doyle will also discuss investing in education, Vigue added, so people in Wisconsin "will be ready for jobs in the future."

In an interview with The Associated Press, Doyle said he would propose a $225 million partnership with the University of Wisconsin System intended to fuel the state's economy.

Beyond the expected topics of health care, education and the budget, Doyle will also likely talk about his efforts toward ethics and campaign-finance reform, said Mike McCabe, executive director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign.

With a Democratic Senate, Doyle is in a much better position to pass initiatives than his last term, McCabe added.

"[Doyle] can afford to be more proactive now," McCabe said. "He can afford to aggressively pursue an agenda."

McCabe said Doyle's first term and his initial agenda were "dead on arrival." However, this term, he said, the governor can finally "play some offense."

"[Doyle's] got one house and that gives him leverage," McCabe said, though he noted "there's got to be some bipartisan action if anything is to be done."

University of Wisconsin political science professor David Canon said he expects Doyle to mention alternative energy efforts and the recent tobacco proposals in his speech.

The tobacco proposals seek to ban smoking in public places statewide, including bars and restaurants, and would increase the cigarette tax by $1.25. Doyle also wants to expand antismoking programs to improve public health.

Canon added Doyle is likely to address Wisconsin's split Legislature, saying he expects Doyle to "make some overtures" to Republicans.

According to Vigue, Doyle "believes that the people of Wisconsin … [are] tired of bickering."

The governor, Vigue added, seeks to move past divisive issues and "help move Wisconsin forward" by making progress in areas that concern all Wisconsin residents.