April 2, 2020

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Election Update

Today, a federal judge issued an order that Wisconsin clerks must continue to issue absentee ballots until 5:00 p.m. tomorrow and that any ballot that is received by the clerk before 4:00 p.m. on April 13 must be counted. The regular election will continue to be on April 7, with citizens able to register and vote that day in person.

If you are in a high-risk group or have concerns about the Coronavirus, it is important to make sure your vote will count on April 7th. In Wisconsin, you have the option to Absentee Vote. To request your absentee ballot, visit https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/VoteAbsentee

If you are not in a high-risk group, consider volunteering as an election official with your local municipal clerk. Since most election officials are usually retired, and in a high-risk age category, they may not be able to work this coming election.

If you have questions about voting, contact your local clerk. Here are the clerks in our district:

City of Appleton (920) 832-6443 electionclerk@appleton.org

Town of Dale (920) 779-4609 towndalewi@gmail.com

Town of Grand Chute (920) 832-5644

Town of Greenville (920) 757-5151 x1100 whegelson@townofgreenville.com

Town of Poygan (920) 685-2686

Town of Vinland (920) 235-6953 vinlandclerk@ntd.net

Town of Winneconne (920) 582-3260 tn.winn@northnet.net

Village of Winneconne (920) 582-4381 jstelzner@winneconnewi.gov

Town of Winchester (920) 427-8330 clerk@townofwinchesterwi.com

Town of Wolf River (920) 446-3837 townofwolfriver@centurytel.net

Appropriate Social Distance is Just a Cow's Length Away

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.

Local Heroes Recognized Nationally

Appleton Police Department Officer Paul Christensen and Sergeant Chris Biese have been selected as recipients of the 2020 TOP COPS Awards. The TOP COPS Award is presented by the National Association of Police Organizations. Officer Christensen and Sergeant Biese are being recognized for their heroic actions on May 15th, 2019, at the Transit Center..

In times of crisis it’s more important than ever to recognize the heroes in our community. If you know of someone who deserves to be recognized for their efforts, sacrifices, or resilience, please reach out to my office via email with the subject line “Hometown Hero.” Be sure to include your name, phone number, and address, along with the reason you are nominating the individual.

Making Cents

Yesterday was National One Cent Day, marking the introduction of the first one-cent coin issued in the United States. The coin, pictured above, was designed by Benjamin Franklin and included the phrase “mind your business” on one side and “we are one” on the other. This sentiment captures the American mentality of personal independence and national unity–ideals that will aid us every day through this national emergency.

Don't Let COVID-19 Make You Vulnerable to Fraud

"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.