Assembly GOP proposes new initiatives in the fight against COVID-19

On Tuesday afternoon, Republican leadership held a press conference to discuss legislative priorities relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the priorities center around testing, contact-tracing, unemployment insurance reforms, and more assistance for businesses impacted by the pandemic. More specifically, the Republican leadership wants to see increased involvement by the National Guard with testing, an increase in the use of rapid tests, and piloting an at-home testing option. A full recording of the media availability is available at https://wiseye.org/2020/11/17/news-conference-speaker-vos-on-new-covid-19-initiatives/.

The Governor also released his ideas in the form of draft legislation on Tuesday. While there are still differences in priority initiatives, some of the Governor’s ideas leave room for bipartisan reform. In the days to come, the leadership of both parties will be meeting with the Governor to collaborate on a package that will help various Wisconsinites navigate the choppy waters of the pandemic. 

As we continue to find new ways to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, your ideas and feedback are valuable. If you have any comments or concerns relating to COVID-19, please respond to this e-update or contact my office by phone. As always, I look forward to hearing from you.

Reviewing the Election

I thank our municipal clerks and poll workers for your dedication to our democracy. As a state, Wisconsin continues to have one of the best election systems in the country. Following the November 3^rd election, there have been many allegations of fraud and irregularities. Because the public expects an election system above reproach, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has called on the Assembly Committee on Campaigns and Elections to use its statutory powers under Wisconsin ss. 13.31 to review how the election was administered.

Many of you have contacted my office in the last two weeks to share concerns regarding the November 3^rd election. The Assembly Committee on Campaigns and Elections is requesting that specific and actionable information to be sent to the following e-mail address: election.complaints@legis.wi.gov. Alternatively, you can respond to this e-update with your concern, complaint, or allegation and my office can direct your concerns to the proper channels. If you send in a complaint or an allegation, it is recommended that it include the following:

• Specific and first-hand information regarding potential fraud/misconduct. Hearsay or news reports of non-specific events will not be helpful.
• Clear and discernable details on the incident/practice being reported (what, where, when, and who).
• Any supporting materials that would be helpful in screening the allegation. This could include photos or names of witnesses.
• Contact information so you can be reached for clarification or additional information. If people choose to remain anonymous, that is their right, but under certain circumstances, it may limit the value of their information if it is incomplete.

COVID-19 Testing near you!

Free COVID-19 testing will continue to be available to south shore residents at the former Bucyrus site (1625 10^th Ave, South Milwaukee) until December 9, 2020. The testing site is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Please note the site has been in high demand and has had to close early at times due to availability of resources. You do not need an appointment, but you can pre-register at https://register.covidconnect.wi.gov/.  

I encourage anyone who wants to take advantage of this opportunity to do so. Alternatively, if you feel there may be a different testing site that would be more convenient for you, you can view a list of community testing sites that has been compiled by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/community-testing.htm. Some testing sites may require a fee.

Thank you to the south shore health departments for working tirelessly for our community throughout the pandemic!

Good luck hunters!

This Saturday, November 21 marks the start of the annual 9-day gun deer hunting season in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has compiled information you should know for before, during, and after your hunt at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/adventure/deer. This site includes COVID-specific guidelines.

Have a safe and successful hunt this fall!

Celebrating Thanksgiving

With Thanksgiving coming up next week, you and your family may be looking for ways to modify your usual festivities. If you plan on hosting or visiting family, the CDC has put together recommendations to help you make your Thanksgiving plans safer.

I’d love to hear how you and your family are still recognizing the many blessings you may be thankful for this holiday season.

Continue following CDC Guidelines

I understand this is a difficult time for many members of the community. As we look for bipartisan ways to fight COVID-19, I continue to urge people to follow CDC guidelines: wash your hands often, clean and disinfect surfaces daily, socially distance, wear a mask when you’re around others, and stay home when you’re sick.

In-District Events

• Holiday Market – Saturday, November 21 from 9am-3pm – Oak Creek Community Center https://occenter.com/holiday-market-3/
• South Milwaukee's Old Fashioned Christmas: Drive-Thru Meet Santa – Saturday, November 21 from 1-4pm – South Milwaukee City Hall (enter southbound) AND Blakewood Elementary School (enter northbound)
• Community Tree Lighting – Sunday, November 29 from 4-9pm – Oak Creek Community Center https://occenter.com/christmas-tree-lighting/
• Light the Square – December 2-31 at 5:30pm, nightly – Drexel Town Square https://www.oakcreekwi.org/resident/events/holiday-celebrations/holiday-tree-lighting-ceremony
• Light Up South Milwaukee – Nomination period: now through noon on December 14 – South Milwaukee – Make a nomination using this Google Form, this Facebook post, or by emailing Katie Crosby at crosby@smwi.org