Past email updates can be found HERE
Reopening Guidelines for Businesses
Governor Evers announced today that the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation has put together a guide for businesses on what they need to know to reopen safely so that employees and customers can feel confident when they return as we begin turning the dial in response to COVID-19.
The guidelines can be found on the WEDC website HERE.
Letter to Congress - Higher Education Funding
My colleagues and I in the Wisconsin State Legislature sent a bipartisan letter to the Wisconsin Congressional Delegation in support of prioritizing funding for higher education institutions, like our University of Wisconsin System, as they consider further legislation in response to COVID-19.
Due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, our higher education institutions are faced with new and significant challenges, including strained financial resources and the logistics of transitioning to all distance learning. In recent weeks, the University of Wisconsin System has announced that it is expecting to lose approximately $170 million in revenue from the spring semester alone due to COVID-19, and that is only expected to increase. This includes refunds for housing and dining services, as well as losses from college sports revenues. Wisconsin needs federal assistance to help address these budgetary shortfalls.
Every dollar we invest in our UW System yields $23 in economic return, and all of our higher education campuses across the state provide crucial training and opportunities for the people of Wisconsin and beyond.
The full letter can be read HERE.
Unemployment Reminder
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a major need for unemployment assistance. If you are having issues with your unemployment claim, please let us know. Send us an email at Rep.Vining@legis.wisconsin.gov with the following information:
- Your full name
- Your home address
- Your phone number
- The date you filed & the status of your claim
- The issues you are experiencing
Paycheck Protection Program - Reminder!
Small business owners — this is a reminder to you to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program from the federal government in response to COVID-19.
The PPP is accepting applications and can help cover payroll for small businesses during these difficult times. I spoke with Congressman Mark Pocan today, and he is encouraging small business owners to apply if they are able to.
For more information, and to apply, click HERE.
Minority-Owned Business Grant Program
Governor Evers announced today that 1,000 ethnically diverse micro-businesses that have suffered losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be eligible to receive grants of $2,000 each under a new state program called the "Ethnic Minority Emergency Grant".
This initiative focuses on supporting ethnically diverse micro-businesses that have not received the Paycheck Protection Program or other state disaster relief.
More information on the program can be found HERE.
COVID-19 CASES
Statewide
9,590 confirmed cases
1,767 hospitalizations (18% of cases)
97,265 negative test results
384 devastating deaths
14th District Counties
Milwaukee - 3,722 confirmed cases
Waukesha - 387 confirmed cases
For daily updated information on COVID-19 in Wisconsin, visit the DHS website here.
Updates on the Badger Bounce Back plan gating criteria can be found HERE.
Forward together,