Wisconsin Democrats pitch Forward on Climate legislation

The latest green energy push from Wisconsin Democrats goes beyond solar and wind power.

A number of lawmakers and environmental groups gathered at the Capitol to introduce their Forward on Climate package.

“No offense to the state cocktail, state cheese varietal, or even the state microbe, these items have their place to be sure, but the people elected us to solve problems that are much bigger and affect far more people far more directly,” Sen. Chris Larson, D-Milwaukee, told reporters. “There's nothing more important to our kids' future, and indeed the future of civilization, than climate change.”

The Forward on Climate package includes grants to local schools for “climate equity” weatherization, as well as new green energy buses and a smart streets program and new classes for students in Wisconsin public schools about climate change.

“So, the next generation can take the baton from us, and carry-on where we left off,” Larson said.

Rep. Francesca Hong, D-Madison, said there is an urgency to get the Forward and Climate package to a vote in the state legislature.

“It’s important to emphasize that needed strategies and Investments have to happen now to combat our climate catastrophe and that no one should be left behind in this process,” Hong said. “I want to note that maybe had we been better listeners to our indigenous communities and specifically indigenous women and had we centered their leadership more we may not be facing the climate crises we are seeing now they've always known how to help care for our earth.”

State Rep. Deb Abdraca, D-Whitefish Bay, has a piece in the Forward on Climate package that would double the rate Wisconsin utilities pay toward a shoreline erosion control revolving loan program.

“The climate crisis is putting our Wisconsin way of life more at risk with each passing year,” Andraca said. “From extreme weather events to noticeable changes in our seasons and shorelines, we are already coping with the effects of climate change. We can and we must invest in policies that build our communities’ resilience, create local jobs and develop Wisconsin-centered solutions.”