This week began with Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. So, it is fitting that my office was provided a newly available online collection to share with you all. The collection highlights the stories of Wisconsin veterans and civilians during wartime. The collections includes six interviews with some of our neighbors from the Richland Center area and their stories from World War II, Vietnam and Korea. As well, all of these interviews were recorded at Brewer Public Library in Richland Center.
Today, the Assembly Committee on Campaigns and the Senate Committee on Elections, Ethics, and Rural Issues held a public hearing about the 2020 Presidential Election on Friday, December 11, 2020 beginning at 10 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m. in Room 412 East at the Wisconsin State Capitol.
If you are reading this update as I have sent it this evening, you can catch the live link until 6 pm. Otherwise, head on over to WisconsinEye to watch the program in its entirety. My office has received numerous contacts regarding the integrity of the elections.
Another policy area my office has received numerous contacts on throughout the pandemic is unemployment insurance. Next week, on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 10 a.m., the Joint Legislative Audit Committee will be holding a hearing on two recently released audit reports. This will also be available for viewing on WisconsinEye.
A message from the CEO of Reedsburg Area Medical Center.
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The 4th bi-annual Survey of Rural Challenges by the Wisconsin Rural Partners Board has started and they’d like your help to get an updated view of the challenges to small towns and rural businesses, and what’s working well or not so much.
Would you please take the time to take the survey and/or share this with as many people as you can? The survey is open to rural people globally: USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or any other country. Anyone who lives or works in small towns can answer.
They will post results on their Survey of Rural Challenges page. Other organizations like government agencies, university educators and regional utilities tell us they also use the results to better serve rural people. You’re welcome to share those results with your friends and followers, as well.
Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative (RWHC) has been providing affordable and effective services to healthcare organizations since 1979. RWHC is owned and operated by forty-three, rural acute, general medical-surgical hospitals. The Cooperative's emphasis on developing a collaborative network among both freestanding and system affiliated rural hospitals distinguishes it from alternative approaches. RWHC offers a variety of programs and services to its members as well as to other clients across the nation. Their most recent newsletter has some great information for rural areas as we continue through the pandemic and move towards post-pandemic world.
Available Assistance
As the pandemic wears on, my office knows that even more Wisconsinites in our community are forced to face decisions on whether they buy groceries for their families or pay their bills. I want to make sure that I’m able to connect those in need with resources in case these difficult choices can be avoided.
I urge anyone who’s falling behind with their utility bills to seek out help from the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP), or contact your utility provider who is willing to work out payment arrangements. Alliant Energy customers are encouraged to check out their Customer Assistance page for additional resources.
Are you seeking other assistance? 211 connects you with thousands of nonprofits and government services in our area. Otherwise, do not hesitate to reach out to my office at any time.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has created a new We’re All In Wisconsin website, which is dedicated to supporting local businesses across the state during the holiday season. I would also like to highlight and encourage businesses in the district to sign up and participated in the Main Street Wisconsin website. For shoppers, take a look at the small businesses in the state you may want to support this shopping season as well.
