Assembly Committee on State Affairs Considers Back to Business Plan
Yesterday, the Assembly Committee on State Affairs met to learn more about the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce Back to Business plan which provides a path for Wisconsin businesses to reopen based on the types of business and local risk factors. I fully support the Back to Business Plan as it is a responsible, regional approach to reopening our economy. The plan consists of the following key points:
Assigns risk based on business type as well as the county’s population density, infection rate and healthcare capacity.
Utilizes data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the Wisconsin Hospital Association.
Adjusts risk score based on changes in local conditions.
It is vitally important that we act quickly to establish a plan using public health data to keep people safe while also providing framework for businesses to reopen. The Back to Business plan appropriately balances these two priorities. It is my sincere hope that a bi-partisan consensus can be reached to implement this plan in Wisconsin. You can watch the informational hearing by clicking here.
The Committee on State Affairs during Thursday's Informational Hearing.
Rep. Swearingen chairing the committee.
DATCP Issues Guidance for Farmers Markets
The Division of Food and Recreational Safety within the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has issued new guidance regarding Farmers Market vendors and consumers. Governor Evers’ ‘Safer at Home’ order designates farmers markets as essential businesses, however they are required to implement certain precautions to abide by the order. All farmers markets must do the following:
Close all seating intended for consuming food.
Prohibit food samples.
Consider closing areas that require customers to use tongs or scoops, as these spaces are discouraged. Vendors must frequently sanitize tongs and scoops, if these tools are used.
Follow social distancing requirements between all individuals to the greatest extent possible.
Adopt policies to prevent vendors from entering the premises if they display respiratory symptoms or have had contact with someone with COVID-19.
Recently, Governor Evers ordered state agencies to cut spending by five percent as revenue to the state has dropped significantly. I support the Governor’s fiscally responsible decision as the current situation highlights more than ever why Government needs to be more efficient in its spending. While a five percent cut will not mitigate the fiscal crisis our state unfortunately finds itself in, this is a proactive step, and I look forward to working with my colleagues moving forward to get Wisconsin back on its feet.
