Last week, Governor Evers announced several initiatives to direct resources throughout the State to continue our recovery from COVID-19. In our previous update, we covered investments to test, trace, and care for individuals in our community as well as programs to increase economic development, food security, and rental assistance.
This update outlines additional initiatives from the Evers Administration as well as important information on investments for nursing homes and long-term care centers. We have also included information on critical aid to local governments, which are now the front line decision-makers since the State Supreme Court overturned the statewide order.
Please visit my Facebook page and Twitter feed for more frequent updates. As always, do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you!
In service,
Evan Goyke State Representative 18th Assembly District
CARES Act Funding Announcements
Routes to Recovery Program
Today Governor Evers announced the Routes to Recovery program, a $200 million grant program to reimburse local governments for costs incurred during the COVID-19 crisis. Since the Supreme Court decision to overturn the Evers Administration’s Safer At Home Order, local governments have been on the frontlines of combatting COVID-19 in their communities. It is estimated that the Routes to Recovery program will provide Milwaukee County with about $15 million in grant funding. This funding is in addition to the $62 million of CARES Act funding Milwaukee County received directly from the US Treasury. The Routes to Recovery program aims to provide flexible funding to help local governments respond to community outbreaks, increase community testing, provide alternative care facilities, and obtain personal protective equipment.
This program will help to provide much-needed support across the state, but elected officials must continue to advocate for additional federal investment in state and local relief.
Health and Critical Access Grants
On May 21st, the Evers Administration announced a $100 million initiative for long term care facilities and emergency medical service providers. This new program aims to provide financial assistance to those who have been most impacted by the COVID-19 emergency.
The new program will provide financial relief to:
Emergency medical services
Home and community-based services
Long-term care facilities (nursing homes and assisted living)
Moving Milwaukee Forward
The City of Milwaukee has also been working on plans in response to the state-wide order being eliminated in order to keep community members and businesses safe. The City of Milwaukee issued their own Safer At Home order and have also developed guidance for reopening Milwaukee safely. Below you will find an outline of the City of Milwaukee's response plans.
The Wisconsin National Guard will be pausing COVID-19 testing at the Midtown Center this week. The flyer below has information for other Milwaukee Northside testing locations that continue to operate. Testing at these sites is free and there are no insurance, income, or immigration restrictions. Also, you do not need to be experiencing symptoms to get a test.