Happy New Year! I hope that you had a happy and healthy holiday season. Today marks the official beginning of the 2021-22 legislative session and I am excited to get to work!
This update includes information about the beginning of the 2021-2022 legislative session and details surrounding our first act today, the introduction of COVID recovery legislation, which should be the Legislature’s first act and done swiftly to help bridge our communities to a time when vaccinations are widely distributed.
Please follow my Facebook page, Twitter feed, and Youtube Channel for more frequent updates. I hope they help keep you informed and engaged with what’s going on in Madison and Milwaukee.
As always, I welcome any feedback or ideas you may have. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance to you.
Evan Goyke State Representative 18th Assembly District
Representative Goyke Sworn In Virtually
This year, Assembly Democrats joined together to be sworn in by Governor Tony Evers in a virtual session. This ceremony is usually a special day filled with family and friends in the Capitol, however, necessary precautions were not in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and it was not safe for me and my colleagues to gather in person.
While the session is beginning under different circumstances, the importance of the work ahead of us has never been more critical and I’m excited to get to work!
Action on Day One: Wisconsin Assembly Democrats Introduce COVID-19 Legislation
There is no greater priority for the Legislature than addressing COVID-19 by mitigating the spread and investing in our recovery. It has now been over 260 days since the Legislature passed its last COVID action. That bill, 2019 Act 185, served as the basis of this new proposal as well as incorporating ideas from Governor Evers and our entire caucus. The bill includes:
Continuing free and available testing and tracing
Vaccine distribution and awareness resources
Continuing investments in child care, housing, and food security systems
Investing in our front line healthcare workforce
Stayed tuned for a Nerd Power video about the legislation, and in the meantime, a summary of the bill is available HERE. You can also watch the virtual press conference HERE.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
The Department of Health Services released two data visualizations for COVID-19 vaccines on theCOVID-19 Vaccine Data webpage. The first table summarizes total allocation, shipment, and administration numbers. The second displays the daily vaccinations as reported in the Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR). This data is planned to be updated weekly on Tuesdays at 2 p.m.
These visualizations allow Wisconsinites to broadly view the Wisconsin COVID-19 Vaccine Program as it moves through Phase 1A of the rollout and beyond. DHS plans to release additional data visualizations as COVID-19 vaccines become more widely available and different groups of people become eligible for vaccination.
To stay up to date with the latest vaccine information, media briefings, and data please follow along on the DHS website. Check the CDC website for information regarding COVID-19 vaccine phases.
Although the COVID-19 vaccine will help us fight this pandemic, it is vital that we continue to follow public health safety guidelines like wearing a mask, social distancing, washing hands, and staying home whenever possible.
Important Local COVID-19 Resources
During these unprecedented times, I want to make sure that you are connected to the resources that are available in our community. Each e-update will include resources and opportunities that may be helpful for anyone experiencing hardship due to the pandemic.
W-2 Emergency Assistance: One-time payment that can help qualifying low-income parents to pay for emergency housing or utility-related expenses.
Energy Assistance Program: Provides qualified Milwaukee County residents with a one-time, annual payment toward heating and electric bills. The funding pays a portion of energy costs determined by household size, income, and energy costs.
2-1-1 Social Service and Community Resource Referral Support through IMPACT, Inc.:
Dial 2-1-1, or (414) 773-0211
To avoid being charged a long-distance fee, call 2-1-1 toll-free at (866) 211-3380
Text your zip code: TXT-211{898-211} Mon- Fri 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
