Special Public Health
Emergency Update |
A big thank you to my Republican
and Democratic colleagues for passing our
COVID-19 legislative package. Because of that bill,
representatives and senators are permitted to send out e-updates
like this one to keep constituents like you informed on public
health emergency topics. Usually, after April 15 in an
even-numbered year, state legislators are not allowed to send
more than 49 identical copies of anything to the public, like a
mass mailing or e-update. We are allowed to respond to
individual requests from constituents all the time. I appreciate
the many people who have reached out to my office. Some examples
of problems I’ve been able to help with are folks are having
trouble getting through to Wisconsin’s unemployment insurance
division, or people needing assistance or clarification
pertaining to a health insurance glitch due to the virus. We
look for timely information that will be of help to constituents
to include in these updates, and I appreciate the feedback from
you on what’s helpful.
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Rural Hospitals
Struggle to Survive Lack of Patients |
The extended economic shutdown is having a
direct financial affect on hospitals, leaving them in a weakened
state going into any COVID-19 surge that might occur in the
future. WSAW in Wausau recently
covered this story and the heightened impact it is having on
Wisconsin’s rural communities.
Even with additional federal funds,
hospitals are in need of lifted restrictions in order to serve
all patients, including those who come down with COVID-19.
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A Better Plan: for
Health and the Economy |
Yesterday, the Assembly Committee on State
Affairs heard testimony from experts around the state regarding
a detailed plan to allow businesses and
employees to get back to work safely. Wisconsin must take action
to get the economy back on its feet before permanent damage is
done. Permanently shuttered businesses won’t just mean financial
loss, it will directly result in significant negative health
outcomes for our entire state. I go into more detail about this
below in my response to a constituent question.
To watch the full informational hearing
about the proposed alternative to the governor’s plan,
click on the image above.
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Don't Avoid the
Hospital if You Need Medical Assistance |
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.
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Contituent Questions |
Jim
from Larsen writes: Why don’t you support the governor’s order
to shut down businesses? Isn’t keeping as many people at home
the best way to save lives?
A strong economy is critical to maintaining
public health. Right now, we are on the brink of an economic
depression, with nearly one in five Americans unemployed. Even
with government benefits, a massive economic downturn will
result in widespread increases in crime, suicide, malnutrition
(and its accompanying lifelong health issues), lack of access to
healthcare, domestic violence, and substance abuse. The
reduction in tax revenue will also mean that cities and states
will have little ability to address these problems. Simply put,
shutting down the economy will cost us more than money, it will
cost lives. I’m not willing to sacrifice these lives because
there is a better option—one that will allow us to slow the
spread of COVID-19 without severe economic destruction.
I’m advocating for proactive approach to
keep Wisconsin safe by helping businesses adapt to public health
needs. Extending “Safer at Home” calls for
widespread government forced unemployment and poverty in
exchange for temporary safety. The better option is for society
to adapt in order to keep people working but in safer
conditions.
Many businesses categorized as essential
have demonstrated that it is possible to maintain operations
with new safety procedures in place. While we have a lot of work
left to do in order to adapt all industries for safer
operations, our state government needs to focus on these efforts
instead of focusing on keeping everyone locked in their homes.
The sooner the Governor gets to work on supporting businesses’
ability to reopen safely, the more lives we’ll be able to save.
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Today In the Fox Valley |
The Wisconsin Hospital Association maintains
a
dashboard where the public can view the data being used by
the state to make public health decisions.
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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
Small Businesses
Financial Resources
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"Like" Representative
Murphy's Facebook Page
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I have a Facebook page so I can continually engage with you on
important topics facing the state. Please like it by
clicking here! 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.
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"Like" Representative Murphy's
Official Facebook Page
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Welcome!
I live in Greenville, but have an
office at the State Capitol in Madison. If you are in
downtown Madison, please feel free to stop by and say
hello! Just go to the information desk in the rotunda,
and they can direct you on how to find my office, 318
North. At the bottom of each e-update, you'll see my
office contact information.
If your school or group plans to tour the Capitol
building, please let me know in advance. I'd
love to visit with you for a few minutes and take a
group photo.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.
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