This week legislative leaders on both sides of the aisle met with Governor Evers to discuss the state’s response to the coronavirus outbreak. The initial discussion focused on issues that are directly impacting our communities, specifically the idea of a regional approach so that we can open our state in a safe and responsible manner. Other Midwestern states like Michigan, Iowa, Indiana and Illinois already have plans in place to reopen, and I believe Wisconsin can implement similar ideas.
People in the Northwoods have shown a tremendous willingness to sacrifice during this difficult period, and I believe we can now begin to mitigate some of the economic damage being done to our region. It is vitally important that we establish a plan that keeps people safe while also providing framework for businesses to reopen.
I remain hopeful that we can work together with the Governor to bring a comprehensive plan forward that all sides can agree on.
State Revenues Down
Thenonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau (LFB) released new revenue numbersand not surprisingly they don't look good. According to a report on general fund tax collections, Wisconsin took in more than $1.1 billion in tax collections last month, roughly $870 million less than it had collected in April 2019Stat. For the first ten months of the fiscal year, the LFB estimates tax collections are $313 million less than the same period for 2018-19. The report states, "The reduction in April 2020, collections reflects two things. First, the coronavirus pandemic has severely impacted the state's economy and tax collections. Second, the extension of income and franchise tax filing deadlines from April to July 15 in 2020 has affected collections."
These revenue figures are a small illustration of the dire situation that the state will face economically in the near future. Of course, this is another reason why we should start a gradual reopening of the economy in areas where it is safe to do so.
Unemployment Insurance Fund in Trouble
TheWisconsin Department of Workforce Developmentsays the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Trust Fund is in trouble. The agency released three estimates of when the fund will run out based on certain assumptions, the worst case being the fund would be exhausted in October. As theagency points out in its news release, "the main driver of when or if Wisconsin will exhaust the UI Trust Fund depends upon the level of weekly claims UI receives going forward." DWD is currently seeing more than 300,000 weekly claims each week.
Since March 12th, there have been more than 533,000 initial UI claims. However, the weekly total of initial claims continues to decline since its high of more than 115,000 during the week of March 22.
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The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) recently announced two pilot programs to address a backlog of demand:
Eligible persons with a Wisconsin driver's license will be able to renew it online.
Individuals under age 18, who successfully complete their required trainingand have the endorsement of a parent or guardianwill be able to get their probationary driver's license without completing a road test.
The pilot programs begin May 11. Each program eliminates the need for in-person visits to a DMV service center by enabling drivers to complete the tasks online. The pilots allow the public to get service more quickly while maintaining safety.
Online driver license renewal
Due to COVID-19, approximately 80,000 people whose driver license expired have received an extension to renew. Those extensions, with late fees waived, expire July 25, 2020. This pilot program allows many customers who have delayed visiting a DMV to renew their driver's license quickly and easily online atwisconsindmv.gov/renewDL.
To be eligible for this program, drivers must meetallthe following:
Must be a U.S. citizen with a regular (Class D) driver license (Commercial Driver Licenses do not qualify).
Must be 64 years of age or under.
No new medical restrictions.
Has not had a negative change to their vision since the last renewal.
Customers who renew online will receive a confirmation email they can print and use until their new card arrives by mail within 10 days. The $34 renewal fee remains the same. After the next normal renewal cycle of eight years, customers will need to visit a DMV for a new photo to complete the renewal.
Renewing online may not be an option for everyone. While the deadline for a REAL ID has been extended one year to October 1, 2021, customers wanting a driver's license that isREAL ID-compliant will need to visit a DMV Customer Service Center. Without a REAL ID designation on a driver's license or ID, travelers will need another form of identification, like a passport, for domestic air travel.
Road test waivers for 16- and 17-year-olds
DMV typically conducts approximately 2,100 road tests per week. Nearly 65 percent of these tests are for people under the age of 18, with 98 percent passing their road test on their first or second attempt. Wisconsin also has a Graduated Driver License (GDL) law that places strict expectations on drivers under 18. The GDL requirements have improved safety and will remain in place.
Beginning May 11, road tests may be waived for 16- and 17-year-olds who complete the required training and have their parent or guardian sign theroad test waiver. The criteria these drivers must meet to be granted a probationary driver license in Wisconsin include:
They must hold an Instruction Permit (also known as a Learners Permit) violation-free for at least six months prior to testing
They must have completed driver education classes
They have completed behind-the-wheel training with a licensed instructor
They have completed at least 30 hours of driving with their parent/sponsor and their sponsor signs the road test waiver
The restrictions of a probationary graduated driver's license still apply for at least nine months.
Parents or guardians are vital to ensuring novice drivers are equipped to safely drive. The waiver is not mandatory. Parents who opt to have their young driver take a road test at a DMV may schedule that appointment online beginning May 8.
DMV estimates a backlog of 16,000 road test requests; 10,000 of those will be eligible for the road test waiver.
Road test appointmentscan be made online beginning, Friday, May 8. Testing, by appointment only, begins May 26. DMV stopped doing road tests in mid-March due to COVID-19. When road tests resume, examiners will apply a seat cover when entering the driver’s vehicle and wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including a face shield, to protect the driver and themselves. After the exam, novice drivers will order their license online from home and the card will be sent within 10 business days.
DMV customer service centers will have expanded hours from May 11 to May 22, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The goal is to serve as many customers as possible who require an in-person visit while maintaining safe social distances in lobbies. Appointments are recommended.
These pilot programs are expected to continue through the 2020 calendar year.
I want to take the time to wish all the moms a Happy Mother's Day. During these uncertain times, I hope everyone gets the chance to celebrate in-person or virtually. Thanks for all that you do!
Contact my office.
Office of Representative Rob Swearingen Room 123 West PO Box 8953, Madison WI 53708
