Gov.-elect David Crowley said affordability and healthcare top his priority list when he is sworn into office in January, but he deferred to the incoming Legislature on what bills will cross his desk.
“Well, when you think about what bills are going to be on my desk, I would say you want to talk to the legislative leaders,” Crowley, a former state lawmaker, told reporters during a Milwaukee press conference yesterday.
He said he’s focused on ensuring a smooth transition. “But at the end of the day, I want to make sure that we are tackling the issues that we heard while we were on this campaign trail, and the affordability crisis and healthcare are at the top of those lists.”
Crowley said he spoke with Dem legislative leaders after Dems secured a trifecta but that he will have further conversations with them about their priorities.
“We are less than 24 hours of knowing that we won this race. Right now, I think all of us are basking in the fact that we won,” Crowley said. “We had the Democratic trifecta, and we know that the hard work is going to begin today. And so, I look forward to having those conversations moving forward about what our priorities are going to be here for the state of Wisconsin.”
The Milwaukee County executive promised his transition will be organized and transparent, and his transition team and future cabinet will be representative of Wisconsin.
“I’m not looking to just bring Milwaukee and Madison to Madison. I want to make sure this is representative of the entire state of Wisconsin,” Crowley said.
He also pledged to work across the aisle.
“For me, when it comes down to governing, I’m willing to work with anybody and everybody who’s willing to come to the table, Democrats and Republicans alike,” he said. “And that’s why last night I said my door is open, and so I’m willing to talk to legislators now to make sure we’re having those conversations, to make sure that we’re ready on day one to deliver for the people of Wisconsin.”
Crowley said he is working to ensure a smooth transition with Tony Evers’ administration, stressing the state has one governor at a time.
“I look forward to working with not only him but his entire administration on a smooth transition in the months ahead,” Crowley said. “Our transition, it will be organized, will be transparent about its priorities and focus on serving Wisconsin at every turn.”
Crowley said he intends to step down as Milwaukee County executive before the end of the year to ensure there is enough time to hold an election for his replacement in the normal spring election cycle.
Crowley, who is the first Black person to be elected Wisconsin governor, said he understands the historical nature of his victory but that it wasn’t the reason he ran.
“Well, I didn’t run to be the first Black governor. I didn’t run to make history,” he said. “You know, if anything, I want to make child poverty history. I want to make income inequality history … and I want every young kid, no matter what ZIP Code that they live in, right, or what last name they may have, or a kid who may be facing eviction, I want them to dream and understand that they too can be able to work hard, be kind, and build relationships where you may get elected to be moving into the governor’s residence, such as I am. And while I understand the historical nature, my job is making sure that we deliver for the people.”
Lt. Gov.-elect Sarah Godlewski joined Crowley on stage, saying she and Crowley are “ready to roll up our sleeves.”
“As we put our team together, we are guided by this simple Wisconsin promise: If you work hard, you ought to be able to build a good life here,” the outgoing secretary of state said. “You ought to be able to raise your family, afford a place to call home here and to retire with dignity. That’s our commitment to the people of Wisconsin.”