|
Friends and Neighbors,
I hope this update finds you well and that you all had a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend. While the Safer at Home order has lifted and summer is here, it is important for everyone to continue to take proper precautions to protect themselves and others as the numbers of new single-day cases and fatalities related to Covid-19 continue to rise.
While the state continues to fight the risiing health implications of this virus, Governor Evers, my colleagues, and I have also been working at addressing the economic and financial impacts that have been broadly felt by the response to the pandemic. Over the past two weeks several programs bolstered by federal CARES funds have been announced designed to help the state and our residents recover.
Once again, I would like to offer my sincere appreciation to each one of my Kenosha neighbors who have helped their families and our shared community in any way during this time. I encourage you to continue to offer your assistance to those in need whenever you have the time and resources, support small businesses in our community, and stay focused on the objective. We all share in this battle, and each one of us will play a critical role moving forward to help us win.
I always welcome your feedback and opinions, so please feel free to contact me at (608) 266-0455 or Rep.Ohnstad@legis.wi.gov.
Sincerely,
Wisconsin COVID-19 summary
|
Status
|
Number (%) of People as of 5/29/2020
|
|
Negative Test Results
|
233,588
|
|
Positive Test Results
|
17,707
|
|
Hospitalizations
|
2,499 (14%)
|
|
Deaths
|
568
|
- Of the 17,707 positive cases, 1,131 are located in Kenosha County, and 27 individuals have died.
- For the most up-to-date data on testing, please visit the Department of Health Services website HERE.
Wisconsin has unfortunately been witness to a spike in new cases of Covid-19, and this is particularly true in our area. As testing capabilities in our state continue to increase, so do the number of positive test results each day. This information serves as clear evidence that this virus continues to spread and has not dissipated. I urge all of my Kenosha neighbors to continue practicing safe social distancing and abiding by the previously in place Safer at Home guidelines. Find the most current information on COVID-19 on the DHS website HERE.
We’re All In Initiative
This month Governor Evers announced several initiatives that will invest in the needs of Wisconsinites and help our state recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The programs are funded by the federal CARES Act and include the Wisconsin Rent Assistance Program, Wisconsin Farm Support Program, Food Security Initiative, and Direct Care Provider Payments. Below are descriptions of each initiative. For more information, go HERE.
Wisconsin Rent Assistance Program
Governor Evers has announced the Rental Assistance Program, which will provide grants of up to $3,000 to help Wisconsinites pay for rent and security deposits. All payments will be made directly to landlords. Eligible applicants must have a household income at or below 80% of the county median income in the month of or prior to the application date. Eligible applicants must also provide documentation showing that they’ve had significant loss of income due to COVID-19 and are unable to pay their rent.
Kenosha County residents should contact Racine Kenosha Community Action Agency to inquire about the application process. They can be reached RKCAA at (262) 657-0840. You can learn more about the Rental Assistance Program on the Department of Administration (DOA) website HERE.
Local Relief Fund
On Wednesday, Gov. Evers launched a $200 million federally funded local government aid program called 'Routes to Recovery.' This investment will help local leaders address the needs of communities like Kenosha as we respond to a global pandemic. This assistance will help local governments cover the additional costs of emergency operations, purchasing PPE protections, robust sanitizing, staff funding for needed FMLA and sick leave, and other critical initiatives.
The funding is expected to leverage over $2.7 million for Kenosha County and $1.6 million for the city. More info is HERE.
We’re All In Small Business Grants
Under a new proposal, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation will distribute $75 million in assistance for small businesses. Providing relief to regrow small businesses in Wisconsin that have been impacted by the pandemic is an important part of our response to and recovery from the pandemic. Funded largely by federal dollars received through the federal CARES Act, this initiative will provide direct assistance to small businesses most impacted by the duration and restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
These $2,500 cash grants Wisconsin small businesses will assist with the costs of business interruption or for health and safety improvements, wages and salaries, rent, mortgages, and inventory. Businesses will be able to apply for grant assistance in early June. More info is HERE.
Food Security Initiative
To help ensure those in need have access to the food they need, this week the governor committed $15 million to the Food Security Initiative, with funding going toward helping food banks, pantries, and other nonprofit organizations fighting food insecurity adapt to challenges posed by the COVID-19 public health crisis. The initiative will emphasize the importance of prioritizing the use of Wisconsin products wherever possible in feeding citizens who find themselves in need of support. More info is HERE.
Direct Care Provider Payments
Covid-19 has placed significant additional burdens on our long-term care facilities, home and community-based services, and emergency medical services. To support these entities and recognize the unique challenges they have faced as they care for some of our most vulnerable citizens, today Gov. Evers allocated $100 million in grants for these facilities and operations using federal CARES funds. More info HERE.
Wisconsin Farm Support Program
Wisconsin is a national agriculture leader, but COVID-19 has created unprecedented challenges for our farmers, food processors, and all those in the food supply chain. A $50 million investment has been announced to provide direct payments to Wisconsin farmers in support of the agricultural sector during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligible farmers will be asked to apply for the aid through the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, which is working in collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP). Farm support payments could begin arriving as early as June. More info is HERE.
Health Insurance Update
An important aspect of the COVID-19 response for families and individuals is maintaining health insurance following a job loss. Loss of coverage due to unemployment can trigger a 60-day special enrollment period that allows people to apply for health insurance coverage outside the normal open enrollment period. Learn if you qualify at HealthCare.gov or via the linked information for a plan through the ACA, which may be more affordable than using a federal COBRA extension from an employer.
Kenosha County Kickstart Plan and Safe Reopening
Kenosha County has developed a local plan to continue to slow the spread of COVID-19 while bringing back our economy. The Kenosha County Kickstart is a phased approach designed to both prevent an additional wave of COVID-19 and get our economy back in gear. Healthcare, public safety and public health must be able to re-assess frequently regarding re-opening Kenosha. This plan provides guidance. For more information on the Kenosha County Kickstart Plan, please visit HERE.
Governor Evers and WEDC have provided state guidelines for businesses to re-engage safely so employees and customers can feel confident in their return. Those are available HERE.
The Department of Workforce Development has also updated their Safety Works website, with information pertaining to COVID-19 HERE.
Unemployment Assistance
This week, The Department of Workforce Development announced the actions they have taken to help resolve the 140,000 pending unemployment claims yet to be adjudicated. They are setting up and currently training 600 new employees to work in three separate call centers to help with answering questions, adjudicating claims, and assisting with PUA claims.
We are aware connecting with a claims specialist via phone to discuss unemployment benefits can be difficult and frustrating as the department works to meet the unprecedented demand of the current pandemic. While DWD call staffing and capacity continues to expand, it is not easy to get through.
The best and fastest way to file and track a claim is online and not by telephone. However, we know portions of your application can require you to speak with a claims specialist. If you cannot get through and need assistance, contact my office. Either give us a call, or e-mail Rep.Ohnstad@legis.wi.gov with the following information:
- Full name (With Middle Initial)
- Phone number
- Address
- Date of UI Application
- Date of Birth/Last Four of SS#
- Status of application (What does the website say for ‘status’? Trying to file initial claim, In appeal, etc.)
- Reason for inquiry (can't get through by phone, unanswered questions, etc.)
Expanding Testing and Tracing
Gov. Evers has announced a $1 billion investment to support Covid-19 testing, contact tracing, operations, and resources for local communities. Testing and information will be the critical tools to combat the virus. This support builds on the efforts through the Wisconsin National Guard to expand community testing. More info HERE.
Currently symptomatic individuals or those who have come into contact with an infected person can get a test by contacting their doctor. More information about testing is available through a special DHS website HERE.
All Available State and Federal Benefits
To learn more about all benefits and assistance available at this time at the state or national level, go to Benefits.gov and Access.Wisconsin.gov. There you can answer a brief survey that can direct you to programs that may be able to help meet your individual needs.
National Disaster Distress Helpline
This toll-free, multilingual 24/7 phone line provides immediate crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters, including COVID-19. Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common during times like this. To speak with a counselor, call:
1-800-985-5990
1-800-846-8517 (TTY)
Or Text: TalkWithUs to 66746
Local Resources
Kenosha County is currently operating an online hub for information about Covid-19, resources available for local residents, and tips for staying healthy during this crisis. Please visit their website HERE for all of the most up-to-date and local information.
In response to numerous inquiries from community members on how they can help during the COVID-19 emergency, the Kenosha County Joint Information Center is publishing a weekly list of needs at local food pantries. Current needs by organization, including the hours they are open to accept donations, are as HERE.
Resource Links
The links below are constantly being updated with new information and resources. Please continue to visit them when you have questions or concerns. The link at the bottom for Kenosha County is an extremely useful tool for folks in our area and I encourage you to visit it frequently.
If you have any questions regarding any information in this newsletter, or would like to speak with me or my staff, please feel free to contact me by phone at (608) 266-0455 or Rep.Ohnstad@legis.wi.gov
|
