Walker is Out the Door and Evers has Walked Through Becoming Wisconsin's 46th Governor
Tony Evers is ready to start working. (Picture by Nyesha Stone)
It’s been a long wait for Wisconsinites to say that Scott Walker is no longer our governor. It’s safe to say that Wisconsin was begging for a change, so the people made it happen. During the 2018 Fall General Election, 49.54 percent of the state voted for Tony Evers and Mandela Barnes. Although the race was close—with prior Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker losing by 1.1 percent—the people’s voice was heard because the state now has a new governor.
Evers was officially sworn in as Wisconsin’s 46th Governor on Jan. 7 at the State Capitol for the 2019 Wisconsin Inauguration Ceremony in Madison. Mandela also became the first African American Lieutenant Governor in Wisconsin’s history. Attorney General Josh Kaul, State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski and Secretary of State Doug La Follette were also sworn in on Monday. They each took their own individual oaths with their families by their side.
Mandela Barnes speaking on his big accomplishment. (Picture by Nyesha Stone)
For the first time since Jan. 1987, all five statewide constitutional offices are under Democratic control, yet Republicans are still in control of the Legislature.
Although Evers was known to call potholes “Scott holes,” he thanked Walker for his time in office, but he also stated that it’s now time for a change and to give the state back to the people.
“We need to fully fund our schools at every level,” Evers said about what the state should have been doing. “We can’t fix these problems unless people come before politics…we’ve got away from who we are.”
Tony Evers has replaced Scott Walker becoming Wisconsin’s 46th Governor. (Picture by Nyesha Stone)
And right after coming into office, on Jan. 8, Evers signed an executive order that will prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity against state employees. Evers said he’s for the people and he’s showing the people he sticks to his word by getting straight to business.
Evers stated in his speech a list of things of how the state has failed the people, such as the overpricing of medication, access to care, failing farms that have economically helped the state, and more.
And let’s not forget the lame-duck session, where Walker signed a few bills in to order right before stepping down as governor. These bills will take away some power from the governor and the attorney general. And since Republicans are in control of the Legislature, it will be harder for Evers to do the work he wants to get done.
Even so, Kaul said the Republicans won’t stop him from getting the job done.
“Let’s make our future safer,” he said.
Mandela Barnes becomes Wisconsin’s 45th Lt. Gov. (Picture by Nyesha Stone)
Barnes seemed to be the most emotional that afternoon. A Black kid from the Northside of Milwaukee making it to the top of their state, is an emotion even the new 45th Lt. Gov. couldn’t contain. He may have not cried, but his words said it all.
Barnes said the era of division has ended because people have called for a change because “a person’s zip code should never determine their destiny.” Barnes hopes he can live up to the state’s motto, “Forward.”
Evers and Barnes celebrated the big day at the 2019 Inaugural Gala at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. It was a mini-music festival of Wisconsin artists featuring performances by New Age Narcissism, Abby Jeanne, DJ Boyfrrriend, Platinum, KWT featuring Tom Washatka, Plymouth High School Marching Band, and Black Star Drum Line.
It’s too soon to say if Evers and Barnes will put Wisconsin on the right path, but the people are excited to find out.