In the face of this unprecedented health crisis, Americans across the country are proving that the spirit of our great nation remains strong. I hope that you and your family are staying safe, practicing social distancing as much as possible, and following the CDC federal guidelines. My office continues to work closely with legislative leadership and the Governor’s Administration as Wisconsin expands its efforts to halt the spread of COVID-19. I firmly believe that together, we will get through this challenging time and come out on the other side stronger than ever before. I hope you find the information and resources in this newsletter helpful. Please feel free to contact my office if you are in need of state-related assistance.
President Trump Signs Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
President Trump signed, a $2.2 trillion coronavirus spending bill that establishes a $349 billion lending program for small businesses, increases unemployment insurance payments, and includes benefits for those who are unemployed because of the virus and normally would not qualify. Additionally, the IRS is preparing to disburse stimulus money that is expected to be direct deposited or mailed to recipients. Individuals earning up to $75,000 will receive a check for $1,200, while couples earning up to $150,000 will get $2,400. Parents will receive an additional $500 per child.
Wisconsin will receive $2.26 billion, with $1.9 billion allocated directly to the state government. It is my hope that Governor Evers will utilize the federal funding wisely in order to enhance Wisconsin’s health care system, purchase ventilators and personal protective equipment, and help individuals who have been negatively affected by the economic repercussions of the virus.
The Small Business Paycheck Protection Program, which will provide small businesses with funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payrolls costs, is open for applications as of April 3rd. If you are a small business owner affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, I encourage working with your local lender to utilize the following resources:
President Trump has announced that social distancing measures will now be in place until at least April 30th.
Vilas County Economic Development Corporation Webinar
I would like to thank Vilas County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Kathy Schmitz for putting together a webinar this week regarding the financial needs of small businesses in Vilas County. I appreciated the opportunity to be involved on the call, and it was a great opportunity to bring together small business owners, local and state officials and representatives of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
If you are a small business owner affected by the pandemic, please consider reaching out to your local Economic Development Corporation for information and resources.
If you are in good health, please consider working as a poll worker during the upcoming April 7th elections. For more information about opportunities in your community, please click here.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has waived all state fair entrance fees. While social distancing measures require us to keep our distance from others, outdoor activity is good for both physical and mental health. Please see the following press release from the DNR for more information.
Support Local Restaurants
Governor Evers ordered all bars and restaurants closed until further notice to combat the COVID-19 Pandemic. However, while dining rooms are closed and in-person consumption is prohibited, take-out and delivery are still permissible.
Please join me in supporting these establishments during this difficult time. These lists will be continuously changing. If there are any establishments that you would like to see added, please feel free to contact the appropriate Chamber of Commerce.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of our essential workers, from healthcare professionals to farmers, truck drivers and grocery store workers. To everyone who continues to work so that our communities can persevere, Thank You!
Local county Health Departments are working closely with state agencies. I would encourage anyone who has questions or concerns regarding COVID-19 to contact your local county health department.
