On Monday, I was inaugurated for my fifth term in the Wisconsin State Assembly. I’m humbled that my constituents have sent me back to Madison to represent the 21st Assembly District in the 105th Wisconsin State Legislature. Serving my constituents has always been my priority as a legislator, and I am honored to continue to have the opportunity to be a voice for the members of our community.
Assembly Bill 1 – COVID-19 Relief
On Thursday, the Assembly was in session for our first regular floor session of 2021. We passed Assembly Bill 1 (AB 1), which deals with the state’s response to COVID-19 and provides assistance to residents, businesses, and local governments, giving them the tools they need to respond to the pandemic.
In April, the Legislature passed and the Governor signed 2019 Wisconsin Act 185 which gave the Evers Administration the tools necessary to utilize the $2.2 billion given to Wisconsin by the federal CARES Act. AB 1 aims to extend many of the provisions that were passed back in April. I am optimistic that the vaccine will put us on track to get back to normal very soon. However, there is work to be done before that happens.
AB 1 contains several provisions that are extremely important to many constituents who I have had conversations with: extending the elimination of copays for COVID-19 tests and vaccines; allowing pharmacy students and dentists to administer COVID-19 vaccines; allowing an ‘essential visitor’ for people living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities; and requiring that DWD eliminate the unemployment insurance backlog.
This is just a sample of the many things in AB 1 that will help Wisconsin get back on its feet while continuing to fight COVID-19. I call on my Senate colleagues to pass AB 1 and send it to Governor Evers’ desk as soon as possible.
State of the State
This coming Tuesday, January 12th at 7:00 p.m., Governor Evers will be giving his State of the State Address. This will be broadcast on WisconsinEye and available for anyone to watch from their phone or computer. Governor Evers will be giving his address completely virtually this year.
My capitol office is here to help you with general inquiries as well as questions and concerns regarding legislative matters. Feel free to contact me or my staff. We are always ready to assist you.
