FEDERAL STIMULUS CHECKS

Due to the impact that the COVID-19 virus has had on our economy, the federal government is now sending out stimulus payments to taxpayers. The initial recipients are individuals that have filed their 2019 return and authorized the IRS to make a direct deposit into their bank account. The IRS has noted that when distributing the stimulus checks people with lower incomes are prioritized.

Individuals who are receiving Social Security will automatically receive their stimulus check without having to file a 2019 tax return.

For anyone who has not yet filed or authorized a direct deposit with the IRS, your stimulus check will still be coming, but it will be a little longer of a wait until you receive it.

The US Treasury Department has a website that taxpayers can utilize to enter their banking information and allow for direct deposit.

For more information please click here.

UNEMPLOYMENT RESOURCES

As mentioned above, the COVID-19 virus has made making ends meet difficult for many of us, and I assure you that I’m doing everything I can to open Wisconsin back up for business as soon as possible. I’m proud that our office has been able to assist hundreds of constituents in resolving their unemployment concerns. While my colleagues and I continue to fight for you, there are some resources available to you if you need them.

If you find yourself in need of assistance or need help getting in touch with the Wisconsin Unemployment Insurance Division please send us a message that includes your name, address, phone number, whether or not you have applied, and your reason for reaching out to UI. We’ll make sure that the team at UI gets back to you directly and as quickly as possible.

Please click on any of the links below for more information.

Which Unemployment Program is Right for You?

Federal Unemployment Programs

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance

PUA is meant to provide unemployment benefits to many of those who are not eligible for regular Wisconsin UI. This is particularly helpful if you are self-employed.

Resources for Farmers

The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program allows for $16 billion in payments to producers, and is based on a combination of actual and projected metrics. Sign up is expected to begin in May, with payments starting later that month. There will be an additional $14 billion that the USDA will be able to allocate in July.

Local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices will reach out to producers directly when signup begins. If you have an email address, please make sure your FSA office has it.

If you have any questions please reach out to your local FSA office or click the link above.

WE NEED ANSWERS

Governor Evers has provided minimal direction on how we are going to move forward in the “new normal” following COVID-19. This week, my colleagues and I filed a lawsuit against the governor's administration regarding the extension of the emergency shelter in place order. This intent of this lawsuit is to identify whether Secretary-designee Andrea Palm and the Department of Health Services was acting within the law when attempting to extend the "Safer-at-Home" order beyond the initial 60-day emergency order.

We are seeking a chance to have a seat at the table to voice Central WI concerns with plans to re-open in a smart, safe way. The current plans of the administration are based only based on a statewide one size fits all re-opening. What works for one area doesn’t work for all.

You can click here to read a letter that the legislature has submitted to the Department of Health Services.

WISCONSIN HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION DASHBOARD

The Wisconsin Hospital Association has an excellent dashboard with information regarding the COVID-19 outbreak in Wisconsin. Click here for updates.

ENJOY THE SPRING SEASON AT OUR COUNTY PARKS

Spring is a beautiful season to be outdoors in Wisconsin and while Governor Evers continues to keep our state parks closed while we battle COVID-19, we are fortunate to have beautiful county parks that remain open. I encourage you to get outside and enjoy this great time of year. Please click here for more information on where you can enjoy Wisconsin's County Parks