March 19, 2020

Working for you!

Coronavirus COVID-19

 As this is a national emergency, we are looking for the federal government to act first and Wisconsin will fill in any gaps as necessary through legislative action.

Please do not panic or hoard supplies. Supply chains to our local stores are strong and replenish shelves as normal. Public services of power, water, telephones, and internet will continue and, in many instances, providers are stopping disconnections for non-payment.

Follow the guidelines being provided by the CDC and Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Remain home if you are able. Continue social distancing. Wash your hands.

The governor has asked me to pass along this website: https://govstatus.egov.com/wi-covid-19 as a hub for information and resources from the state relating to COVID-19.

Below I have highlighted helpful information and resources:

Schools and Childcare

• With closures of schools and new restrictions on child care facilities in place the following resources maybe helpful:

Internet access

Free online courses for children

Activities parents can do with children

• School districts may now request a waiver for instruction hour state requirements.

• Options for children who participate in the Child Nutrition Program can be found by contacting your local school district or visiting this website.

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.

Voting

• For information on early or absentee voting, registration, and polling locations, visit myvote.wi.gov.

• The Wisconsin Elections Commission has a list of all clerks, as well as any recent communications.

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 and address, along with the reason you are nominating the individual.

In the District

Earlier this month, I joined Jim Clemons and Supreme Court Justice Dan Kelly at events to discuss Fox Valley concerns about the coronavirus and how our government might respond.

I had the opportunity to discuss Jim Clemons’ plans for the City of Appleton as it addresses public health and economic issues arising from the coronavirus.

Justice Dan Kelly listening to a Fox Valley resident about coronavirus concerns.

Consider Voting Absentee

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.

Crafting Achievement

Today is international Certified Nurses Day. Nurses are one of many overlooked professions that have been forced to the frontline in confronting this public health pandemic. Take a few moments today to recognize the critical role nurses provide in our community.

Blood Donations Are Needed

Due to the cancellation of normal blood drives, donors are needed more than ever. Learn more about where and when you can save a life by donating blood in the community by visiting www.communityblood.org

Your Questions and Concerns

Troy of Grand Chute asks: As a small business already selling alcohol in a mall that is closing to the public due to the emergency, may I deliver alcohol to customers instead?

I spoke with one our Legislative Counsel staff attorneys who specializing in alcohol laws and she confirmed that the law requires face to face transactions at the licensed premises. Retailers cannot do on-line or telephonic transactions and then deliver the alcohol to customers.

In order to support small businesses, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is making available 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. The governor has also formally requested federal assistance an Economic Injury Disaster Loan from the U.S. Small Business Admin (SBA).

The legislature is continuing to explore additional ways we can support businesses and employees during this period of shut-down.

If you have a question or a suggestion, please email me at rep.murphy@legis.wi.gov

"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.