Email to Delegates/Alternates
“While I look forward to further engaging with you on many issues during the campaign, I want to start with my core issue: Climate Change. It’s not something of the distant future. We’re seeing the harmful effects across our state today.”
Update: UN climate report: It’s ‘now or never’ to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees
Dear Delegate/Alternate,
Congratulations, and thank you, for becoming a delegate or alternate to the DFL Senate District 63 Convention!
Since announcing my candidacy for House District 63A, I’ve chatted with many of you about our district’s needs and the future of our state. We agree a continued progressive voice from our new representative is essential, but we also want to get things done and deliver results. I trust you will see in my experience a record of accomplishments.
While I look forward to further engaging with you on many issues during the campaign, I want to start with my core issue: Climate Change. It’s not something of the distant future. We’re seeing the harmful effects across our state today.
We must act with much greater urgency to cut greenhouse gases and assist Minnesota communities in pursuing climate resilient pathways. Last year, the UN issued “a code red for humanity,” saying that urgent action is required if we are to ward off the worst consequences. The sense of urgency is unmistakable, but fortunately there are strong efforts to build upon.
In 2009, I partnered with others to implement the nationally-recognized Minnesota GreenCorps program, and it’s thriving and growing today. Minnesota GreenCorps has shown how the power of community-based service can be leveraged to protect and improve the environment. Already close to 500 individuals have served, providing much needed support for environmental projects in hundreds of Minnesota communities.
My experience with GreenCorps is why I am so passionate about championing new climate initiatives. I believe we need an ambitious Minnesota Civilian Climate Corps, similar in scale to the New Deal CCC of the 1930s.
Built to Last: the Legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps in Minnesota
In the 1930s, tens of thousands of Minnesotans volunteered to serve in the CCC. We, too, must answer the call by creating a Minnesota Civilian Climate Corps. I am inspired by FDR’s most popular program.
It’s within our reach to train and put to work a new generation of Minnesotans who will reduce carbon emissions, accelerate the transition to renewable energy, and build healthier and more resilient communities.
We can design a new corps to meaningfully involve interested Minnesotans, strengthen career pathways, and provide livable wages. By launching this ambitious undertaking, our state will showcase how community service is an invaluable tool in fighting the climate crisis.
Our state has a rich history of facing big challenges with grit and determination, a sense of practicality and teamwork. I believe that Minnesota can continue to do great things. I ask you to please join me.
I invite your ideas and input on this and any other topic of concern to you. I welcome your call at (612) 708-9149.
Sincerely,
Kevin McDonald