March 26, 2020

Working for you!

Coronavirus COVID-19

It’s been one heck of a week! While anyone who is able to stay home should do so, my staff and I are still hard at work from our homes to make sure you get the answers you need about the current situation. If you have a question or concern, don’t hesitate to reach out via email or phone.

About the governor's Safer at Home Order:

• You can leave your home without permission, as long as it's for a reason outlined in the order.

• Businesses can remain open as long as they are defined as essential in the order.

What’s actually in the governor’s “Stay at Home” order?

Is my business or employer considered essential by the state?

What’s in the federal stimulus package bill?

Watch today’s Q&A video from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

Staying at home has certainly been a burden for many of us, but I’ve always tried to look on the bright side of things, so I’m starting a top ten list of the best things of being able to work from home. Here’s my first idea:

1.       Every day is casual Friday.

If you need a break from your day, feel free to share your home work station or what you like about working at home on my Facebook page.

Nominate Someone for Recognition

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.

Gas prices are low but there's no place to go!

Even under the Governor’s Stay at Home order, state parks remain open and all State park fees have been waived. While you should not travel long distances, if you are near a state park, feel free to shake off your cabin fever by visiting one while upholding the recommendations in place for social distancing.

Click the image above for more information.

Now is the Time to Vote

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

Fact vs. Fiction

Don’t let rumors spreading on social media or even the news dictate the actions you take. To fact check rumors that have been spreading, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has set up a website.

FEMA Website

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

Help is Available

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.

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/

"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.