But we have other responsibilities as well.
Over the past few years, the world has awakened to the growing, accelerating threat of global warming.
There is no question that global warming demands immediate action by the federal government. It is a disgrace that so many national leaders have turned a blind eye to what is a scientific fact. Yet the scope and consequences of this problem are so massive that the responsibility for action rests not only with our leaders in Washington, but with all of us.
With new technology, and a commitment to renewable fuels, we can not only reduce the carbon emissions that cause global warming, we can and will help this nation kick its addiction to foreign oil.
In my budget, I'll propose the next major step forward in our effort to become America's leader in energy independence - a $40 million investment in renewable energy like solar, wind, hydrogen, biodiesel and ethanol.
We'll provide incentives to dramatically increase the availability of E-85. We'll move four university campuses off the power grid in the next five years. And next year, we'll more than double our commitment to energy conservation.
Tonight, I am announcing a Governor's Task Force on Global Warming, comprised of business, industry, labor, environmental, government and community leaders to develop a comprehensive plan of action that we can all get behind.
Of course, one state, acting alone, can't do everything. But my fellow citizens, we have a responsibility to do everything we can. I ask you to join me, and make a commitment that when it comes to global warming solutions, Wisconsin will lead the way.
Ethics and Campaign Finance Reform
Tonight, we've talked about an aggressive agenda of change and reform. And some pretty big change happened just today.
Earlier this afternoon, Republicans and Democrats joined together to agree on the most sweeping ethics reform in thirty years - creating a strong Government Accountability Board that will have the power to enforce our laws, investigate and bring prosecutions against those who violate the public trust.
It is a model for what can happen when people in both parties set aside differences and do what's right, and I look forward to signing it into law.
But we shouldn't stop there.
Every two years, our TV sets are bombarded by nasty and negative ads from shadowy groups that don't play by the same rules as everyone else.
But we can put a stop to it. Tonight, I ask you to end the phony issue ads...and require these groups to follow our campaign finance laws. They should disclose their donors, abide by contribution limits, and be forbidden from taking corporate contributions that would otherwise be illegal. Let's pass this vital reform now, and clean up Wisconsin's airways.
Finally, we need to improve the way campaigns are financed in Wisconsin.
Today, we have new leadership and a new opportunity to achieve consensus. I have asked Speaker Huebsch and Senator Robson to work with me to come up with a strong, comprehensive bill that can win the support of both parties. Let's get this done, and do what's right for the people of Wisconsin.
Conclusion
I'd like to close tonight by recognizing three young people who sum up what this is all about.
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Please welcome members of the eighth grade class of Franklin Middle School in Green Bay -- Jordan Gilliam, Sidney Ly and Tyler Dessell. Thanks for being here kids.
These students have agreed to be among the first to sign the Wisconsin Covenant.
Later this year, I'll join with them as they pledge to stay in school, maintain a B average, be good citizens and take courses that prepare them for college. Over the next four years, they'll have to work hard in high school to live up to that commitment...and we are going to have high expectations of them.
In return, we'll make the dream of affordable college a reality for them and their families.
I've spoken often of the Wisconsin Covenant, which is really part of a broader promise I believe we must make to all the hardworking families of Wisconsin.
Together, we must make Wisconsin a place where anyone who is willing to roll up their sleeves and work hard...can afford to get an education, buy a home, raise a family, and enjoy all the good things that life in our state has to offer.
Yes, Wisconsin is filled with opportunity...and filled with a determined people ready to seize it.
Now let's get to work.
Thank you, and On Wisconsin."
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Adjourned.
7:56 P.M.