I would like to thank all of you for taking the time to read through my newsletter. Each week, I'll include information to keep you up to date with what's happening in Madison and the 1st Assembly District.
Mask Mandate Repeal
Earlier this week, the Wisconsin State Assembly passed SJR 3, a resolution that formally repeals the governor’s COVID-19 public health emergency order and, in turn, the extension of his statewide mask mandate.
This is a much more complex and nuanced issue than many realize. After weighing all the facts, I joined a number of my colleagues in voting against this resolution to end the emergency order.
A group of lawmakers from Northeast Wisconsin – myself included – felt it was necessary to write an open letter explaining why we believe that now is not the right time to nullify the governor's order.
I encourage you to read the full version of our letter by clicking here.
Moments after the Assembly took this action, Gov. Evers issued a new public health emergency order and mask mandate, just like we predicted in our letter.
Legislative Update
In addition to our floor session this week, I also reintroduced a bill that prohibits the sale and use of coal tar-based sealants, as well as other similar products that contain high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
If you would like to learn more about the legislation, please click on this link to view my press release.
The Senate Committee on Government Operations, Legal Review and Consumer Protection also held a public hearing on my bill that promotes government transparency by allowing more local newspapers to be compensated for publishing legal notices.
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released a report that found minimal evidence of schools increasing the spread of COVID-19 in their surrounding communities.
Citing a study that looked at 17 schools in rural Wisconsin where mask-wearing was high, the CDC says the COVID-19 incidence rate among students and staff was lower than what was recorded in the general populations of those areas.
Of the 191 cases of COVID-19 identified at the schools during a recent three-month period, only seven pupils – or 3.7 percent – were linked to in-school spread. None of those in-school spread cases involved teachers.
This report further reinforces that schools can be reopened safely for in-person learning if it's done cautiously and school districts continue to follow the CDC's guidelines.
Even during these trying times, we must provide our children with the best education possible to avoid the risk of them falling behind. To overlook their educational needs would have a significant negative impact on their future prospects, our society and the economy.
If you are interested in reading the CDC's full report, please click on this link.
In Closing...
Thank you for taking the time to read my e-update. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact my office. My staff members, Adam and Joe, look forward to working with you. Also, if you would like a 2019-20 Wisconsin Blue Book or 2019-20 state highway map free of charge, just send us an email!
