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Governor Evers changed his mind from Friday to Monday, and yesterday we saw the "Safer At Home” order. The order allows essential workers, healthcare professionals, grocery, truckers for supplies, and first responders to be available for service. The flip-flop in his position caught most of us off guard. The Governor gave us no warning, and the message came as a tweet. I believe the Governor should have provided the document first, with the website, to provide clearer communications.
Although the Governor and Legislature are co-equal branches, the Governor is currently using his emergency powers until May 10th. Public health emergency powers have always been part of the Wisconsin Constitution but have never been used...or at least not for a very long time. The emergency powers allow Evers to create the Safer at Home order and other health-related decisions. The Governor does not have the authority to change the constitution or any laws under this emergency power.
There are some myths that need clarification: travel does NOT need papers, state parks are open and fees are waived (campsites are closed), grocery, pharmacy and take-out restaurants all remain open. The order is for 30 days, but Governor Evers can rescind it sooner, which we all hope can happen.
Business Owners: Please use the WEDC website to see if your business is considered essential. Local enforcement will be enforcing the order based on complaints and warnings will be issued first.
Wisconsinites are some of the best people in the world, and together we will move forward. Blessings on you and your family
Voting and the Election
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Constitutionally, no one can change the date of the election, so please have an absentee ballot sent to you or check hours to vote early at your municipality. Most polls are open but may have limited hours. Richfield has a drive thru voting service.
Online voter registration has been extended to March 30th. Go to My Vote to register now and also request an absentee ballot.
SBA Loans
Small businesses impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic can now apply for federal disaster loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The Wisconsin Small Business Development Center created a website to help business owners understand the qualifications and application process.
Unemployment Benefits
Here are the criteria for unemployment benefit eligibility:
- Anyone who is unemployed through no fault of their own may apply for unemployment benefits if they meet the monetary criteria and the weekly eligibility criteria.
- Employees who are forced to self-quarantine by their employer may be eligible for unemployment if:
- The employer did not offer telework
- Forced the employee to stay home
- Meets monetary criteria and weekly eligibility criteria
- Any employee who is self-quarantined due to contracting COVID-19 or suspicion of contracting the virus will NOT receive unemployment benefits.
- School employees will be eligible if they meet the following:
- It is not a customary break period
- Extends longer than customary break period
- Meet monetary criteria and weekly eligibility criteria
Visit DWD's FAQ's for more information. Please apply online if you can.
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Representative Janel Brandtjen
State Capitol, Room 12 West
PO Box 8952
Madison, WI 53708
Toll-Free (888) 534-0022 or (608) 267-2367
Rep.Brandtjen@legis.wi.gov | |
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