Legislature Files Lawsuit with Wisconsin Supreme Court
This week the Legislature filed a lawsuit with the Wisconsin Supreme Court challenging Governor Evers’ ‘Safer at Home’ order extension. While the Governor’s power runs out on May 11th, the administration expanded the order until May 26th, using the authority vested in the Department of Health Services Secretary. I do not believe that an unelected, unaccountable bureaucrat should have the power to expand this order indefinitely. Unfortunately, the Governor has not shown any willingness to discuss his stance with Assembly and Senate leadership.
The Governor’s massive administrative overreach suggests that he has entirely dismissed the notion of co-equal branches of Government. As neighboring states with more confirmed COVID-19 cases, such as Ohio, begin to set firm dates to open their economies, Wisconsinites deserve transparency and a realistic timetable as to when our state can get back to work.
Badger Bounce Back Plan Misses the Mark
The Governor recently announced the Badger Bounce Back plan to reopen Wisconsin, however, his plan imposes a misguided one-size-fits all approach to Wisconsin. The Governor insists that the entire state must remain locked down while the Department of Health Services reports that 60% of counties have fewer than ten cases, and 10% have none. It does not make sense for the Northwoods to be subject to the same measures as Milwaukee and Madison. Moreover the Governor claims that his plan follows the federal plan outlined by President Trump, however the Badger Bounce Back Plan is more restrictive and the criteria to reopen will certainly prove difficult to meet. Specifically the plan’s requirements to progress to and through phases 1-3 go further than federal guidelines.
I believe rural areas of the state should be able to gradually open up their economies while taking proper precautions to protect the public. I continue to hear from constituents around the 34th Assembly District who are suffering unprecedented economic harm and are growing increasingly frustrated with the Governor’s unilateral decision making. It is my hope that the Administration starts to listen to the people of Wisconsin as we move into the second month of this 'Safer at Home' order.
Congress Authorizes More Funding For Paycheck Protection Program
Today, President Trump signed legislation that will add an additional $310 billion to the Small Business Paycheck Protection Program. The PPP provides small businesses negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic with funds to cover up to eight weeks of payroll costs, benefits and other expenses. If you are a small business owner I encourage you to work with your local lender during the application process. For more information please visit the Small Business Administration webpage.
