The Assembly convened yesterday and passed a COVID-19 Response Bill that will help Wisconsin address challenges brought about by the ongoing pandemic as well as assist Wisconsinites during this difficult time. It was critical that the Assembly pass this legislation to help bolster Wisconsin’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill has several provisions that will help citizens who are currently out of work, increase healthcare efficiency, support our schools, assist our state’s main industries, and much more.
The following is a brief summary of the bill’s provisions:
Eliminates the one-week waiting period for unemployment insurance benefits, retroactively beginning on March 12th through February 7th, 2021.
Eases licensing requirements for health care professionals and emergency medical responders.
Allows pharmacists to extend prescriptions.
Expands SeniorCare to include coverage of vaccinations.
Ensures no co-pays for COVID-19 testing.
Prohibits health insurance coverage discrimination based on COVID-19.
Provides the needed flexibilities to school districts to complete the school year online.
Sets aside $75 million to address future, unexpected needs that federal dollars don’t cover.
Requires the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to develop a plan to assist the state’s main industries (tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, construction and retail).
The State Senate is taking up the bill today, where it is expected to pass. This is certainly an unprecedented situation for our state and country. I am encouraged that my legislative colleagues came together to work on and pass this bi-partisan bill. The legislation will improve Wisconsin’s response as well as ensure the integrity of our state budget. I would like to thank all our great healthcare professionals, essential workers, and everyone who is doing their part by staying safer at home. While these are trying times, I firmly believe that the American people will emerge from this crisis stronger than ever before.
