COVID-19 Relief Package Proposed

Last week Assembly Republicans announced a package of initiatives to help our state address the public health crisis. The package includes the following:

• Create a $100 million fund to respond to the public health emergency
• Double the number of local public health staff working on the COVID-19 response
• Continue the prohibition of co-payments for any COVID-19 tests
• Allow for early refills of important prescription drugs
• Authorize pharmacists to extend needed prescription orders without first having to get prior authorization from a doctor
• Establish legislative oversight of the vaccine distribution plan
• Allow for an essential family member/caregiver to visit a loved one in a nursing home in specific circumstances
• Require the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) to eliminate the backlog of unemployment insurance claims
• Support parents as they assist their child(ren) in the virtual school setting
• Create a grant program to provide up to $15,000 to small hospitality and related businesses that demonstrate need
• and more!

See the memo from the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau for more information.

As we continue to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency, listening to your concerns continues to be one of my top priorities. 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 and having the opportunity to be your voice in Madison.

Assembly Committee on Campaigns and Elections Public Hearing

A public hearing about the 2020 Presidential Election is scheduled to take place on Friday, December 11, 2020 at 10am in Room 412 East at the Wisconsin State Capitol. The hearing will also be livestreamed on WisconsinEye and will be available at https://wiseye.org/live/.

Rep. Ron Tusler, chairman of the Assembly Committee on Campaigns and Elections, is planning on having multiple hearings. The goal is to investigate any corroborated incidences of fraud and provide a review of our state’s election laws.

This week, Chairman Tusler has invited election officials, experts and eyewitnesses to testify before the committee. COVID-19 precautions will be taken to ensure the safety of committee members, staff, witnesses and the general public.

In-District Events

• 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