On February 12, Governor Evers announced his plan for Wisconsin to join the United States Climate Alliance. The U.S. Climate Alliance was formed in June 2017 in response to President Trump's decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement, and it institutes a handful of actionable goals. Included among them is reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 26 percent below 2005 levels by 2025, accelerating new and existing policies to reduce carbon pollution, and promoting clean energy deployment at the state and federal level.

At the time of the Climate Alliance's formation, I co-authored a letter to then-Governor Walker, along with over 40 other state representatives, urging him to join this Alliance. Unfortunately, he did not. Governor Evers' decision to join indicates a new approach to climate change, a crucial acceptance of climate science, and a commitment to taking responsibility to do what we can to counter its effects for the sake of future generations.

This all comes at the heels of Governor Evers declaring 2019 “The Year of Clean Drinking Water,” which parallels my own legislative efforts to improve drinking water in western Wisconsin. I am proud to support Governor Evers in his efforts to improve the quality and safety of Wisconsin's drinking water, develop renewable energy solutions and pursue the conservation of our state.

Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes will be in La Crosse this week for the annual black history month celebration, Reflections of Ebony. The event will be held at the La Crosse Student Union on February 23, and will celebrate black students, African American culture, and the achievements of the student organization, Black Student Unity. Appropriately, the featured theme is “Paving the Way & Leaving a Legacy.”

As the first black Lieutenant Governor in the state of Wisconsin, Mandela Barnes has not only left a legacy, but has inspired a new generation of young people to run for office and become a voice to represent their communities with integrity and authenticity. During this black history month, I believe it is important not only to recognize the accomplishments of trailblazing African Americans in La Crosse and across the country, but also to re-engage with black history, to reflect on the work left to be done, and to appreciate all that black culture and black people have given to our communities.

I've known Lieutenant Governor Barnes since his election to the state Legislature in 2012, and he has always been a gracious host to me during my political and legislative vistis to Milwaukee. I am honored and excited to return the favor and welcome him to La Crosse this Saturday.