On March 1, the Department of Health Services announced that the following groups are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine:
• Frontline health care personnel • Residents of long-term care • Police and fire personnel, correctional staff • Adults age 65 and older • Education and child care staff • Individuals enrolled in Medicaid long-term care programs • Some public-facing essential workers such as 911 operators, public transit, and grocery store employees • Non-frontline essential health care personnel • Facility staff and residents of congregate living settings
Additionally, the DHS announced that starting on March 29, DHS is expanding vaccine eligibility to Wisconsinites aged 16 and older who have medical conditions that increase their risk for severe illness, hospitalization or death from COVID-19. Eligible conditions include: cancer, heart or lung conditions, diabetes, overweight or obese, high blood pressure, and individuals who are immune compromised.
For an interactive map showing locations of vaccine providers across the state, please click here.
For more information pertaining to the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit the DHS website.
State Affairs Committee Update
Listening to testimonials from my colleagues Sen. Alberta Darling and Rep. Jon Plumer on AB55
On Wednesday, we had our second State Affairs Committee Public Hearing of the new session and discussed two important bipartisan bills. The first bill is Assembly Bill 50, which relates to the counting of tips for tipped employees and granting rule-making authority. This bill would organize and systematize the tip counting process by employers through allowing electronic signature or other electronic means to verify their employees' tips.
The second bill, Assembly Bill 55, would require Wisconsin schools to incorporate the Holocaust and other genocides into the state model social studies standards and require instruction on the Holocaust and other genocides for students in grades 5-12. It was great to hear all the powerful testimonials and I look forward to these bills reaching the full Assembly for a vote.
Small Business Development Committee Hearing
On Thursday, the Assembly’s Committee on Small Business Development held an informational hearing and listened to testimonies from Secretary Hughes of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, Gary Fahey of Appleton Stainless, Tim Walters of Walters Brothers Lumber Manufacturing, Bill Elliot of the Wisconsin Hotel and Lodging Association, the Wisconsin Dairy Business Association, and the Wisconsin Restaurant Association. Thank you to everyone for providing such insightful testimonies!
Budget Writing Committee To Hold Public Hearing at The Hodag Dome
On Wednesday, the Joint Committee on Finance accepted an invitation from Rep. Callahan and I to hold a public hearing at Rhinelander School District's newly built Hodag Dome. The public hearing will take place on Wednesday, April 21 at 10:00am. Thank you Co-Chairs Rep. Mark Born and Sen. Howard Marklein for accepting our invitation to the Northwoods!
Additionally, the Joint Finance Committee will be holding several other public hearings during the month of April. The public hearing schedule is:
Friday, April 9, 2021 at UW-Whitewater, Whitewater, WI
Thursday, April 22, 2021 UW-Stout, Menomonie, WI
Wednesday, April 28, 2021, Virtual
If you would like to submit a comment to the Joint Finance Committee, you can do so by clicking this link or by emailing Budget.Comments@legis.wisconsin.gov.
Upcoming Listening Sessions in the 34th Assembly District
Sen. Mary Felzkowski and I will be hosting listening sessions in the 34th Assembly District on Friday, March 19. Here is the information for the upcoming listening sessions:
Rhinelander: 11:15am - Rhinelander City Hall Council Chambers, 135 S Stevens St, Rhinelander, WI 54501
Hazelhurst:1:45pm - Hazelhurst Community Center Conference Room, 7020 Hwy 51, Hazelhurst, WI 54531
Eagle River:4:00pm - Eagle River VFW Post 8637, 418 W Pine St, Eagle River, WI 54521
I am looking forward to hear from many of you next week!
Office Meetings
On Wednesday, I met with Dave Newman, President of the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs, to discuss important legislative priorities for snowmobilers this session. The AWSC does a great job advocating for snowmobilers across the state. Thanks for coming down to Madison to meet with me and my staff, Dave!
On Thursday, I met with Kate Easton from the Wisconsin Historical Society to discuss upcoming projects and the Capitol Budget. As always, we had a great conversation and I look forward to playing a part in preserving the rich history of Wisconsin and the Northwoods.
Travel Wisconsin Winter Trail Conditions Report
Unfortunately, winter is coming to an end and so too is snowmobile season. Make sure to check your local chambers of commerce and snowmobile club websites to find out which trails are still open.