Stop the COVID Spread

The White House Coronavirus Task Force Report says Wisconsin continues to see an "unrelenting rise in cases and test positivity." The number of COVID cases are skyrocketing and hospital beds are filling up. According to the Wisconsin Hospital Association, there are areas of the state that have few if any ICU beds immediately available and staffing shortages are becoming a major issue.

I am asking for your help. I join state health and business leaders and many others in asking that you to do everything you can to curb the spread. I applaud the “Stop the Covid Spread!” coalition in its efforts to urge people to take this virus seriously and take the necessary precautions so we can continue to safely participate in our economy.

I agree with Governor Evers that our success in fighting the virus rests on individual responsibility. Once again, I encourage everyone to adhere to CDC guidelines: wear a mask, socially distance, frequently wash your hands, follow local restrictions and stay home as much as possible.

Here are specific recommendations from the Racine County Joint Information Center.

• Stay home if you do not need to go out.
• If you leave your home, expect that you may be exposed to COVID-19.
• Wear a mask and maintain at least a 6-foot distance between yourself and others.
• Avoid all unnecessary travel.
• Avoid all public and personal social gatherings of any size.
• If you have to go out, avoid any businesses that are not following the masking order and not limiting capacity.
• If you feel sick, stay home.
• Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face.
• Click here for CDC Holiday Guidance

Assembly GOP Leadership

I’m honored and humbled to be chosen again by my caucus to serve as the Speaker of the Wisconsin State Assembly for the 2021-2022 legislative session. I want to thank my Republican colleagues for their vote of confidence. With a strong 61-seat majority, I look forward to advancing our conservative priorities and protecting the Republican gains that we have made over the past decade.

This will be my fifth term as speaker and come January, I will become the longest serving speaker in Wisconsin state history.

I'm excited to serve with an excellent Wisconsin Assembly Majority Leadership Team, which includes the following:

-Speaker Pro Tempore: Rep. Tyler August (R-Lake Geneva)

-Majority Leader: Rep. Jim Steineke (R-Kaukauna)

-Assistant Majority Leader: Rep. Kevin Petersen (R-Waupaca)

-Majority Caucus Chair: Rep. Tyler Vorpagel (R-Plymouth)

-Majority Caucus Vice-Chair: Rep. Cindi Duchow (R-Town of Delafield)

-Majority Caucus Secretary: Rep. Jessie Rodriguez (R-Oak Creek)

-Majority Caucus Sergeant at Arms: Rep. Samantha Kerkman (R-Salem)

An important part of our team is Rep. John Nygren (R-Marinette)> I announced Thursday that he will continue as the Assembly Chair of the Joint Committee on Finance (JFC), the budget-writing committee responsible for approving state expenditures, for the next legislative session beginning in January.

John has done outstanding work leading the budget committee. Wisconsin is definitely better off because of his conservative leadership. With the expected decrease in revenues due to the coronavirus, his experience and expertise will be greatly needed to deliver another balanced budget that protects Wisconsin taxpayers.

Rep. Nygren was first elected to the Assembly in 2006. He will be serving his fifth term as the JFC co-chair for Assembly Republicans.

Honoring our Veterans

I was honored to take part in the Veterans Day Ceremony in my hometown of Burlington. At the ceremony, we recognized the 75th anniversary of the VFW Post 2823 as well as the service and sacrifice that local veterans made to our country in the Armed Services and then, to our community. 

COVID Testing in Racine County