May 6, 2020

Working for you!

Special Public Health Emergency Update

A Case for Following the Law

Under Wisconsin state law the legislature must be involved in lawmaking and state agencies, such as the Department of Health Services (DHS), may not create new laws through their own policies or orders. The governor has broad authority under emergencies that lasts no more than sixty days. The governor’s emergency powers cannot be extended without legislative authorization. While these laws are clear, the governor, and his secretary designee of DHS, have gone out of their way to avoid involving the legislature in any decisions being made to help control the spread of COVID-19. This governor’s disregard for our laws is becoming a disturbing pattern.

The governor’s actions are well intended, but we live in nation of laws in which government power is divided amongst three branches. Yesterday, the Wisconsin Supreme Court heard arguments from the legislature’s attorney and the governor’s attorney regarding the legality of the ongoing stay at home order issued by the Department of Health Services. You can watch these arguments by clicking on the image above.

The legislature was forced to go to court to restore the public’s rightful involvement in lawmaking. We are not attempting to end all actions taken by the government to make people safer; we are simply asking the governor to respect the law and involve people outside his office in the new laws being made by the Department of Health Services.

You can read more about the case here.

NOTE: The Court has not announced when they plan to release their decision; however, we expect it to be soon.

DMV Updates

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) recently announced two pilot programs to address a backlog of demand:

• Eligible persons with a Wisconsin driver license will be able to renew it online.

• Individuals under age 18, who successfully complete their required training and have the endorsement of a parent or guardian will be able to get their probationary driver 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 license quickly and easily online at wisconsindmv.gov/renewDL.

To be eligible for this program, drivers must meet all the 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 license that is REAL ID-compliant will need to visit a DMV Customer Service Center. Without a REAL ID designation on a driver 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 the road 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 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 appointments can 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 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.

Listening to Dairy Farmers' Needs

Our dairy industry is struggling and we need to listen to their needs. I've been doing my best to keep in touch with folks (while social distancing) to get a feel for the damage being done by the pandemic and economic shutdown. This week I had the chance to pop by a 2000 cow dairy that I used to work with when I was in agribusiness.  

Don't Avoid the Hospital or Urgent Care

Hospitals and clinics around Wisconsin have seen a steep decline in patients seeking help for serious medical conditions. In order to ensure you receive the care you need, the Wisconsin Hospital Association has asked me to pass along the following message:

Wisconsin hospitals are encouraging patients to use the emergency department or urgent care if it is needed. Patients should never hesitate to seek emergency care if they are experiencing symptoms. Our state’s hospitals and clinics are safe, clean and taking all necessary precautions to care for patients and their families. 

Patients should also contact their provider to discuss when they can schedule other important care.

COVID-19 Guidance and Assistance

Help is available if you are in need. You can’t control whether you lose your job or your benefits because of the Coronavirus. However, you can take steps to protect yourself in case you wind up without health insurance during the pandemic. If you have lost coverage (or fear that you might), you have options! Call 920-882-6420 or dial United Way’s 2-1-1 for free help.

Below are additional resources:

Unemployment and Job Opportunities

• Unemployment insurance claims should be made online if possible, and requirements have been relaxed. Many employers are currently hiring in order to fill gaps in delivery and retail services. Learn more by visiting https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/covid19/public/

Small Businesses

• Grants of up to $20,000 to targeted small businesses with no more than 20 employees to cover rent and to meet payroll expenses, including paid leave.

Financial Resources

• If you are experiencing financial impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, assistance may be available.

"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.