Friends and Neighbors,

From the bottom of my heart, I wish you all a warm, safe, and happy holiday season. While it may not look the same as we are accustomed to, I hope that we can all find ways to celebrate the holidays- and to take stock of what we’re grateful for. As always, I’m so thankful for the opportunity to serve as your state representative. I am deeply grateful for our healthcare heroes and our front-line workers, from truck drivers and grocery store clerks to nurses and teachers. They continue to keep our community safe and the world running. 

The recent news of two COVID-19 vaccines being distributed in Wisconsin gives us hope as we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. As our front-line health care workers get vaccinated, let's continue to do our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a mask, social distancing, washing our hands, and limiting our gatherings. 

I recognize that this year has been exceptionally difficult for many of us, and while 2020 is drawing to a close, many of the challenges facing our state and local community will certainly not disappear in the new year. I remain as committed as ever to advocating for the needs of our community members, and you can count on me to keep fighting for you. I am including some information and links below to help ensure that folks have the resources they need to stay informed and support themselves through the winter months.

As we head into the new year, I’m preparing for what is sure to be a busy legislative session. As always, please feel free to contact me with any thoughts, questions, ideas, or concerns you may have, as well as any other ways my office can assist you. I am always glad to hear from you. To stay informed, feel free to check out my Facebook page and website for updates.

Thank you for following along, and please let me know how I can best serve you. Your voice is very important to me!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays,

Katrina Shankland, 

State Representative

71^st Assembly District

Information & Resources

• The Department of Health Services (DHS) website is updated regularly with guidance related to COVID-19 best practices and information on confirmed cases
• Information from DHS about COVID-19 vaccines can be found here
• The CDC's website also has information and guidance on COVID-19 
• Portage County Health and Human Services has a landing page on COVID-19 with many links to local resources
• You can find COVID-19 information, updates, and resources from the governor's office and all of our state agencies here

• If you are facing financial hardship, 211 Wisconsin can connect you with resources and information in your area for assistance
• The Department of Workforce Development also has a site listing numerous resources for individuals struggling with financial hardship here
• Resources for small businesses can be found on the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation website
• If you are having trouble accessing your unemployment benefits, you can contact my office for assistance at Rep.Shankland@legis.wisconsin.gov or (608) 267-9649

• This is a stressful time for many of us. If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or scared, please feel free to call Distressline at 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 
• Visit the Resilient Wisconsin homepage for additional resources and tips for practicing self-care, staying connected, and reducing stress
• This video from Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin discusses how the stages of grief can apply to the COVID-19 pandemic.