The federal CARES Act provided just over $2 billion in federal assistance to Wisconsin. Several new initiatives that will be supported using this funding have been announced recently by the Evers administration.
$1 Billion Statewide Effort
The Evers administration announced this week a plan to spend more than $1 billion in federal dollars to promote a statewide effort to increase local COVID-19 testing and contact tracing, purchase equipment and supplies, bolster emergency operations and provide resources to local communities and healthcare facilities.
We’re All In
Earlier this week the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) announced the “We’re All In” initiative, which is a grant program aimed at helping small businesses (20 or fewer full-time employees) respond to and recover from the COVID-19 public health emergency. The program will provide grants of $2,500 to small businesses who have not received previous COVID-19 supports from the WEDC to help fund health and safety improvements for re-opening, payroll expenses, rent or mortgages, and inventory. Details for the grant program are still being finalized, so more information is forthcoming, and the application is expected to become available in June. Business owners interested in being kept in the loop can subscribe to daily alerts at https://wedc.org/focus-forward/.
Child Care Counts
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is using CARES Act funds to support the costs of providing child care to essential workforce families through their Child Care Counts COVID-19 Payment Program. Child care centers will be able to use funds to support payroll, reimburse parents for the cost of care and pay for other things essential to their operation. The Child Care Counts program will also provide supports to child care providers by providing incentive pay for providers who have continued services through the State of Emergency, and support to child care centers that temporarily closed due to the pandemic.
Memorial Day
This Memorial Day weekend looks a little different, but I will still be taking some time to reflect and honor the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice fighting for our freedoms.
Thank you to the families and loved ones of our fallen service members. We honor your sacrifices this weekend, and always.
Useful Links
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) FAQs
Rep. Rodriguez State Capitol, Room 204 N PO Box 8953 Madison, WI 53708 Toll-Free (888) 534-0021 or (608) 266-0610 Rep.Rodriguez@legis.wi.gov | Read Online |
