Friends and Neighbors,

I hope you all are doing as well as possible during this incredibly difficult time for so many in our community. I wanted to provide you all with a brief update on Covid-19, the coordinated responses by both the state and federal government, and updated guidelines on available resources and other information. Myself and my staff remain working diligently gathering as much information as we can, participating in daily webinars with the Governor’s Office and the Department of Health Services, holding virtual caucus meetings, and assisting constituents to the best of our ability.

First, I would like to take a moment to thank everyone in each community of our state for the role you are playing in solving this crisis. Whether you are at home taking care of yourself or your family, working in a job field requiring you to continue showing up every day to keep our society functioning, or bravely and tirelessly showing up to work in a medical center or hospital every day to take care of those who are sick. If you are donating to food pantries, donating blood to the American Red Cross, making purchases from small local businesses, or simply picking up a prescription or groceries for an elderly or at-risk person in our community, you are playing a critical role in our ability to slow the spread, and beat this virus. I cannot thank you enough.

I am grateful to our Representatives and Senators in Congress for working hard and with each other to come to an agreement on a relief package. Obviously in any deal such as this, each party envisions a different response, and therefore has to make concessions. I applaud their ability to set aside their differences and unanimously produce a response that will help American businesses and families during and through this difficult time. Below, I will provide as much information as I can on this legislation, and how it will be affecting you.

Last, I would like to offer a word of encouragement to every member of my community I have the honor of representing here in Madison. Our most effective weapon against this current crisis is our ability to work together, and for each other. These are times which require us to stand together, and do our part to keep each other safe. Our community is only as strong as the bond we share between each other, and I ask each one of you to lead and serve as an example of how strong our bond in Kenosha is. Please continue to offer your talents, resources, and time to those in need whenever you can.

As always, I welcome your feedback and opinions, so please feel free to contact me. There is an abundance of misinformation and rumors out there, so if you have any questions regarding the state response to the Covid-19 epidemic and how it affects you, please feel free to contact me. Also, if you would like something to be included in future e-newsletters, just let me know at (608) 266-0455 or Rep.Ohnstad@legis.wi.gov.

Sincerely, 

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Update on COVID-19 in Wisconsin

Wisconsin COVID-19 Test Results

Test Results

Number of People as of 3/25/2020

Negative

10089

Positive

585

Deaths

6

Of the 585 positive cases in Wisconsin, 14 of them are in Kenosha County.

Governor Evers "Safer at Home" Order Aimed at Slowing the Spread of COVID-19

Governor Evers announced the "Safer at Home" order on Monday, March 23rd. The order went into effect on Wednesday, March 25th, and will remain in effect for 30 days. You can read the order HERE.

This measure is being taken to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Because of how contagious the virus is, limiting the interaction of people is crucial. If too many older individuals or those with weakened immune systems require medical attention at the same time, our hospitals will become overwhelmed and their ability to effectively treat patients will be compromised. Individuals that are infected and do not yet show any symptoms can transmit the virus. That is why everyone has a role to play in slowing the spread.

Individuals do not need special permission to leave their homes, but they must comply with this order as to when it is permissible to leave home. Here's what you need to know: 

If a business is an Essential Business or Operation as defined in this order, it does not need documentation or certification to continue its work that is done in compliance with the order. I strongly encourage businesses to read the order before contacting my office with questions. The order contains detailed information regarding the exemptions that will be helpful for answering questions.

After reviewing the order if a business still has a question or is not exempted but believes their business is doing essential work, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will be reviewing those cases. Visit HERE for additional information. 

On March 21st, Gov. Evers directed Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) to ask the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist Wisconsin in obtaining protective medical supplies that can be used by law enforcement officers and firefighters who are at risk of direct exposure to COVID-19 while performing their jobs. FEMA is being asked to help Wisconsin obtain 50,000 nonsurgical masks, 10,000 face shields, 11,000 coveralls, 3,000 N95 face masks, and 35,000 pairs of protective gloves through its procurement process. The request comes in addition to the state’s ongoing efforts to obtain personal protective equipment (PPE) from the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS). So far, the state has received about 52,000 N95 face masks, 130,000 surgical masks, 25,000 face shields, 20,000 surgical gowns, 100 coveralls, and 36,000 pairs of gloves from the SNS. Those materials are being distributed to direct healthcare providers in areas with known community spread. The governor is calling on federal officials to help identify additional resources.

State Tax Filing Deadline Extended to July 15

The Wisconsin income tax payment and return due dates have been automatically extended to July 15 to match the federal deadline. The three additional months will ensure everyone has enough time to file and make payments without interest or penalties. 

For the most up-to-date list of all of the actions the Governor has taken in response to Covid-19, please visit the link HERE

These links are being updated on a daily (and sometimes hourly) basis. Be sure to continue checking these as the situation evolves.

What You Can Do

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Support Local Businesses

The COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating to local businesses. I encourage those who can support our local businesses and restaurants to do so at this time. Here are some ways you can help out small businesses in our community: 

Every dollar means a lot right now, so please do whatever you can to help support our local Kenosha community. 

Visit Kenosha has the latest up-to-date information on area businesses and restaurants with their hours and take out options.

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Federal Response Package

The U.S. Senate approved an estimated $2 trillion stimulus package to battle the harmful effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, though concerns with the unemployment provisions remain. A few highlights of what's included in the package: 

For a full breakdown of the stimulus package and the multitude of areas receiving additional funds and how they will be allocated, you can visit the National Conference of State Legislature website HERE.

Elections Update

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The deadline to register to vote online has been extended by federal  court order until Monday, March 30. The Wisconsin Elections Commission is working to reinstate online registration in the next few days. Visit HERE to learn more.

I share the concerns of local officials around the state about their ability to conduct safe, in-person voting during this pandemic. I encourage everyone to request an absentee ballot as soon as possible so that you can vote safely at home. You can request an absentee ballot HERE by Thursday, April 2 if you are already registered to vote. 

 

State Resources

Small Business Administration Disaster Loans

These disaster loans are another step toward providing much-needed assistance to Wisconsin's small businesses during this challenging and uncertain time. The application to the small business loan portal can be accessed HERE.

The SBA disaster assistance loans are: 

For more information, visit the SBA website HERE, or contact our local Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Development Director Jon Bartz at jon.bartz@wedc.org or 608-210-6846.

Unemployment Resources

If you or someone you know has had their workplace shut down due to COVID-19, you will be eligible to apply for unemployment benefits through the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD). 

If you are unsure if you qualify for unemployment benefits, you are encouraged to file a claim with the Department of Workforce Development. Once you file, they will assist you in determining your eligibility. Each case will be examined on a case-by-case basis. 

You can find out additional information, contact DWD, or apply for unemployment benefits HERE. If you have any questions, please contact my office at 608-266-2254. 

Mental Health

The COVID-19 pandemic, and the resulting changes to our lifestyles, can make anyone anxious or even depressed. Do not hesitate to ask for help if you're feeling overwhelmed. Call 800-985-5990 to speak to a trained crisis counselor or text TalkWithUS to 66747.

Access to Broadband Internet

Spectrum will offer free broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription. Installation fees will be waived for new student households. To enroll call 844-488-8395. 

AT&T home internet customers will be allowed to use unlimited data. In addition, AT&T will not terminate the service of any broadband residential or small business customer, will waive late fees, and will keep public hotspots open. 

Utility Cutoff to be Frozen

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) directed water, electric, and natural gas utilities to cease disconnecting residential service for nonpayment until the state public health emergency has been lifted. Additionally, utilities must make reasonable attempts to reconnect service to homes that have been disconnected. You can learn more HERE.

Cybersecurity Reminders

Be cautious about who may be trying to take advantage of you during this public health emergency. 

Report possible scams to the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection at DATCPHotline@wisconsin.gov or (800) 422-7128.

Kenosha K-12 School Update

UPDATE: KUSD’s food service program will continue distributing cold lunches that also contain a breakfast snack for the following morning to any child under 18 in our community in the weeks ahead, with the exception of spring break (no meals April 10-19). To help with social distancing, and for the health and safety of all, the district will begin distributing meals on Mondays and Wednesdays only as of Monday, March 30. For more information, please visit kusd.edu/resources/covid-19-coronavirus-english or kusd.edu/resources/covid-19-coronavirus-spanish

Please bring a bag or box to carry lunches home.

Individuals willing to assist with food distribution should contact the Boys and Girls Club, Shalom Center, churches and other community entities.

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Child Care Providers

At this time, child care programs are encouraged to remain open during the COVID-19 outbreak, if able, but must operate with no more than 10 staff and fewer than 50 children present, in compliance with an order issued by Governor Evers on March 18, 2020. Programs are encouraged to prioritize access to child care services for essential workers, such as first responders, health care providers, and critical infrastructure workers. Work with your local public health department for assistance. 

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) is coordinating information related to child care programs during the outbreak. For more information and guidance on child care programs, Head Start, and 3- and 4-year-old kindergarten programs, please visit DCF’s website.

Read the full memo issued March 18, 2020: Guidance for Child Care, Head Start, and 3- and 4-year-old Kindergarten Programs, and their Workforce

State Parks, Trails and Forests

To view any other available state resources and a link to where you can go to utilize them, please visit the Department of Health resources page HERE

 If you have any questions regarding any information in this newsletter, or would like to speak with me or my staff, please feel free to contact me by phone at (608) 266-0455 or Rep.Ohnstad@legis.wi.gov.