June 10, 2020

Working for you!

Final COVID-19 Update

Wisconsin law prohibits legislators who are running for re-election to send out mass communications after April 15th in even years. However, 2019 Wisconsin Act 185 exempts communications related to the COVID-19 public health emergency through June 10th.

I'm deeply appreciative that my colleagues in the legislature and our governor worked together to allow for this communication. While this newsletter update will be my last until after the November election, my staff and I will continue to be available to you at Rep.Murphy@legis.wi.gov and at (608) 266-7500. If you reach out, be sure to leave your name, number, and address.

You can continue to keep up-to-date by following me on my official Facebook page.

Thank you for keeping in touch. I truly appreciate your comments, questions, and concerns, as they help me represent you better!

Reopening WI: So Far, So Good

The application of common sense and resiliency has so far ensured a safe reopening of the Wisconsin economy. The percent of positive COVID-19 tests continues to decline, which is a good sign that employees, businesses, and customers are following important guidelines like staying home if you are showing signs of illness. While many people are still hurting from COVID-19 and the economic shutdown, it’s heartening to see recovery on the horizon.

I’m proud that Wisconsin was able to prevent our health care system from being overwhelmed, which was the goal all along.

Our push to safely hold the election and reopen our state has not resulted in a significant spread of the virus. We’ve all learned a great deal from the COVID-19 emergency and I’m confident that we’ll be better equipped to deal with future challenges like this at the state, local, and individual level.

You can continue to get information about Wisconsin’s plan to reopen safely by visiting https://wedc.org/programs-and-resources/covid-19-response/

Unemployed Folks Deserve Better

When the Evers administration shut down the Wisconsin economy, they failed to take swift action to support the thousands of people they forced into unemployment. The backlog of unemployment claims to be processed and folks' inability to reach either the Department of Workforce Development or Governor’s Office by phone is a continuing disservice to the people of our state.

To make matters worse, the Department of Workforce Department now appears to be on track to illegally overcharge small businesses for unemployment insurance claims, in direct contradiction of the bipartisan bill signed by the governor.

If you need assistance with your unemployment insurance, please email my office with your name, the date you initially filed, address, and phone number. I’m doing everything I can to cut through the red tape and ensure you get the benefits you and your employer already paid for.

Let's Put Resources Where They're Actually Needed

The science is coming in on the use of ventilators and it’s confirming that they may do more harm than good in the treatment of COVID-19. I have been critical of the state dedicating scarce resources to stockpiling unneeded medical equipment. It now appears that we are spending millions of dollars on items that not only won’t be used, but haven’t even been delivered yet. Even though we will lose our deposit, I’m recommending that we not throw good money after bad by canceling the remainder of our order and reallocating the savings toward emergency response efforts that will actually help people.

Economic Recovery

When Wisconsin’s economy was forced into an extended shut down, my greatest fear was that our recovery would take far too long. While some of the damage done will undoubtedly be permanent, there is now a light at the end of the tunnel.

In the US jobs report, 2.1 million jobs were recovered in May, which is an incredible and unpredicted recovery.

Economists with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue are projecting that “Wisconsin will recover to its pre-COVID-19 employment level by the end of 2023.” We have a long road ahead to full recovery, but if we work together to support our businesses reopening safely I’m confident these projections will hold true.

Grants for Small Businesses

Certain small businesses can apply for coronavirus pandemic relief next week. The "We're All In" Small Business Grant program will give grants to Wisconsin businesses with 20 or fewer employees. The grants range from $2,500 to $30,000 and can be used for costs associated with the pandemic including health and safety improvements, wages and salaries, rent or mortgages, and inventory. There are other eligibility requirements, which can be found on the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation website. The application period runs for only one week June 15 through June 21.

COVID-19: When and How to Get Tested

Should you get tested?

Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 or who has been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their doctor and ask to be tested.  In general, those not showing symptoms are not being tested at this time.

Questions about whether or not you should get tested? Contact your doctor or complete an online health screening assessment, and a licensed health practitioner will contact you.

"Like" Representative Murphy's Facebook Page

I use Facebook to update constituents more frequently on my work in Madison and the 56th Assembly District. I look forward to using this as another way to connect with constituents and encourage you to follow it and watch for regular updates.