Survey Results

Thank you to everyone who responded to our final survey of the legislative session regarding the closure of state parks due to individuals not abiding by the COVID-19 social distancing guidelines.

In total, 253 individuals answered this week's survey question. This represents the highest number of responses we have ever received. Thank you for your input and feedback. 63 percent of respondents opposed Governor Evers' decision to close state parks, whereas 23 percent believe he made the correct decision. 

What is more, 14 percent of respondents answered "other." Responses include:

"Parks should remain open so long as people abide by social distancing guidelines."

"No, why don't we open the parks for those who care about the park system by purchasing Wisconsin park admission stickers and keep those who do not behave, out."

"I understand why he did it, because people were using this like a vacation, while others were using the state parks like garbage dumpsters. When people are congregating and destroying our state parks while we are under a safer at home order, then they should be closed."

"No, because parks are a good place to get exercise and enjoy the beauty of Wisconsin." 

Safer at Home Lawsuit

Last Thursday, Governor Evers announced that he intended to extend the "Safer at Home" order until May 26th. The extension is past the governor's emergency powers authority, which ends on May 11th. Governor Evers announced that DHS Secretary-Designee Andrea Palm has the ability to extend the lockdown indeterminately. 

On Tuesday, the legislature filed a lawsuit directly with the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The motion challenges Secretary-Designee Palm's ability to keep Wisconsinites on lockdown indefinitely. Specifically, the suit seeks clarification as to whether Secretary-Designee Palm exceeded her statutory authority, when she issued the extension of the "Safer at Home" order. She used a different state statute than the one which authorized Governor Evers to issue a state public health emergency. 

The lawsuit argues that the DHS emergency order should be construed as administrative rules. The legislature is asking the Supreme Court to delay implementation of the injunction by six days. This would provide DHS with more time to write new rules, which are subject to legislative oversight via the Joint Committee on Review of Administrative Rules.

The lawsuit does not challenge Governor Evers' emergency powers, which came into effect when he declared a public health emergency in March. These powers expire on May 11th. At that time, Governor Evers would need legislative approval to continue the original state of emergency. Until his emergency powers end, Governor Evers is not required to work with the legislature, despite repeated entreaties from legislative leaders to do so. If the Supreme Court rules in the legislature's favor, we will be given a seat at the table and will have the ability to negotiate with Governor Evers. 

It is my hope that we can work together for the good of Wisconsin and develop a plan that opens Wisconsin for business and protects public health. 

Reopening the Economy

"Safer at Home" was meant to flatten the curve and spread of COVID-19, which Wisconsin achieved. At this writing, there are currently 356 people being treated for COVID-19 in Wisconsin hospitals. This is a reduction of five people in the past seven days. Southeastern Wisconsin has seen its hospitalization rate decrease by 9 people in the past week. I encourage you to view the latest data on the Wisconsin Hospital Association's online database. 

Thankfully, the spread of COVID-19 in our state is not as extensive as initial predictions. We cannot continue to make decisions based on models that are not coming to fruition. 

My colleagues and I are developing a plan that will continue to keep Wisconsinites safe, while simultaneously taking steps to reopen the economy. A significant percentage of our state has fewer than ten cases of COVID-19 and should be reopened for business, while prioritizing people's health. 

My plan uses metrics to safely begin reopening Wisconsin's economy, regionally. We examine healthcare capacity, population density, infection rate, and other measurable facts by county, to determine the efficacy of reopening Wisconsin's economy. In addition, businesses will receive a score based on this measurable data. Individuals can determine whether or not to visit said businesses, based on their "safety" score.

Continuation of the "Safer At Home" order is simply unsustainable and would continue to destroy our economy. The plan outlined above will help businesses begin to open up again, while still ensuring Wisconsinites are kept safe. 

Badger Bounce Back Plan 

On Monday, Governor Evers released his "Badger Bounce Back" plan, which lays out criteria Wisconsin must meet before lockdown restrictions can be eased and the economy allowed to reopen. The plan allows Wisconsin to reopen in phases. 

Governor Evers stated that his plan is based on President Trump's  "Opening Up America Again" guidelines. Both plans require a downward trajectory of positive COVID-19 tests over a two-week period; require a downward trajectory of flu-like illnesses and COVID-19 symptoms reported over a two-week period; and increased testing capabilities for at-risk healthcare workers. 

While there are some similarities, the differences are stark.

Governor Evers' plan uses a statewide blanket approach, while the federal guidelines advise state and local officials that tailoring of criteria may be needed in order to reopen parts of the country. For example, rural communities where outbreaks have been less widespread will have a different reopening timeline than larger metropolitan areas where the virus has been more prevalent. The federal plan allows for this tailored approach. Governor Evers' plan does not.

President Trump's recommendations encourage governors to work on a regional basis in order to open up their respective states. The "Badger Bounce Back" plan utilizes solely a statewide approach, which I believe is misguided. 

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