I hope you are well. This week in Washington D.C, Congress successfully passed a COVID-19 relief package, titled the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, and was signed into law yesterday by the president. This legislation, authored by House Democrats, provides paid sick and family leave for U.S. workers impacted by the pandemic, expands unemployment assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, and increases resources for coronavirus testing.
Here in Wisconsin, my Democratic colleagues are working closely with Republican lawmakers and Governor Evers to advance a range of solutions to stop the spread of COVID-19 and provide economic relief for workers and businesses. Gov. Evers, the Department of Health Services (DHS), and numerous state agencies have taken bold steps to implement precautions across Wisconsin. Democrats stand committed to providing immediate and long-term relief to workers, students, families, seniors and local businesses in the wake of the pandemic.
DHS announced yesterday that community spread of COVID-19 is occurring in Wisconsin. Community spread means people have tested positive who have no exposures to a known case and did not travel to a location where there is community spread. Social distancing is vital to keeping you, your family, and our communities safe from increased risk of exposure. My colleagues and I are committed to protecting the health and well-being of everyone in our state and preventing a greater spread of this disease within our communities. If you have any questions or need assistance with any matter, please fee lfree to contact my office. We are available in person by appointment only, but remain available during normal business hours by phone, 608.266.7521, and email, rep.subeck@legis.wi.gov.
Sincerely, Lisa Subeck State Representative 78th Assembly District
The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) is encouraging people to go online for faster service delivery. DWD's Unemployment Insurance Division is experiencing heavy call volume and longer than normal wait times.
For fast, up-to-date information and to apply for unemployment benefits, please head to https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/ui/.
This website also contains information:
• For employees: The majority of people applying for unemployment benefits can complete their claim online. Receiving unemployment benefits is a two-step process:
(1) Apply online - The week you become unemployed, file your application online and do not wait to file. For more information, instructional videos, and to apply, please visit https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/uiben/apply/.
(2) File your weekly claim - After you have applied online, you will need to file a claim certification each week. This will require you to answer a series of questions. You must continue to file a weekly claim certification for each week you would like to receive benefits. You can find more information at https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/…/handb…/english/contentspart3.htm.
DWD has a helpful claimant handbook that can be found at https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/uiben/handbook/. It contains important information and instructions about your eligibility for benefits and how to protect your rights to those benefits under the Wisconsin Unemployment Insurance law.
Right now, the Red Cross is experiencing blood drive cancellations like no other time in recent history and their inventory is at critical levels. Their sites are taking extra precautions to make sure giving blood is safe. If healthy please consider giving blood by calling 1-800-RedCross or going to redcrossblood.org to find a blood donation location nearest you that is currently open by simply putting in your zip code.
Wednesday was the last day to register to vote online or by mail in advance of the April 7th election. You can check your registration status and/or request an absentee ballot at myvote.wi.gov.
If you aren't registered yet, don't worry. You can still register at the polls on election day or at your clerk’s office until the Friday before Election Day. In the light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the sooner your cast your ballot, the better.
Emergency order #8 is an updated order that maintains the ban on gatherings of 10 or more people and indefinite school closures, but includes some important changes and clarifications:
Treats bars and restaurants are the same. Bars will be able to have carryout sales of alcohol and food, if allowed by local ordinances and state law. This ]will help ensure thousands of establishments can stay in business during this unprecedented health emergency.
Media and news organizations can remain open to provide the public with vital information.
Laundromats may remain open.
Banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions may remain open if they practice social distancing.
All parts of the food delivery system – from farms to stores – may remain open.
Clarifies that cafeterias in healthcare facilities may remain open to serve our healthcare workers.
Allied health professions, such as acupuncturists, are unaffected by the mass gathering ban.
All parts of our transportation system can continue to serve our economy.
Any facility used for in-person absentee voting or as a polling location may remain open for voting, except for sitesat long-term care and assisted care facilities.
Hair salons, day spas, nail salons, barber shops, tattoo parlors, body art establishments, and tanning facilities must close effective 5 pm on Fri., March 20, 2020.
All gatherings that bring together or are likely to bring together 10 or less people in a single room or confined space, whether inside or outside, at the same time must preserve social distancing and follow all other public health recommendations issued by DHS or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Voluntary cancellation, closure, or limitations on the size of gatherings beyond the requirements of this order are permitted and encouraged.
DATCP Provides Tips for Wisconsin Consumers Seeking Ticket Refunds
As many concerts, theater performances, sporting events, and other events are being canceled or rescheduled due to COVID-19, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is reminding consumers of the tips and resources available below and on the agency’s website: https://www.datcp.wi.gov
Under Wisconsin law, consumers are protected from losing most prepaid admissions fees for entertainment and sporting events held in Wisconsin. When an event is cancelled or rescheduled, promoters are required to refund the admission price for many entertainment and sporting events. While this law does not cover competitive sports activities between school teams or within established sports leagues, many of these events are proactively posting refund policies on their websites so consumers know what to expect.
DATCP Provides Tips for Wisconsin Consumers Seeking Ticket Refunds
As many concerts, theater performances, sporting events, and other events are being canceled or rescheduled due to COVID-19, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is reminding consumers of the tips and resources available below and on the agency’s website: https://www.datcp.wi.gov
Under Wisconsin law, consumers are protected from losing most prepaid admissions fees for entertainment and sporting events held in Wisconsin. When an event is cancelled or rescheduled, promoters are required to refund the admission price for many entertainment and sporting events. While this law does not cover competitive sports activities between school teams or within established sports leagues, many of these events are proa
The steps consumers should follow to obtain a refund depend upon whether the event is canceled or rescheduled:
Refunds for canceled events:
To obtain refunds for canceled events, ticket purchasers must present their tickets to the promoter no later than 90 days after the event is canceled. A promoter must then make a refund no later than 60 days after you present your ticket.
Keep in mind that the promoter may be different from the person or company from whom you purchased the ticket, or the owner of the premises where the event was scheduled to be held.
Refunds for rescheduled events:
For rescheduled events, ticket holders must present tickets to the promoter no later than 30 days after the date on which the event was originally scheduled to be held. The promoter must provide a refund no later than 60 days after you present your ticket.
Exceptions:
Consumers should know that some items may not be refundable, such as:
Handling or service charges;
Charges for other services, such as parking; and
Any portion of the ticket price that may be considered a nonrefundable charitable donation.
Given the changing nature of COVID-19, it is important to stay informed and monitor event websites, follow any posted refund instructions, and document their ticket purchases and refund requests. Consumers with questions or issues related to ticket refunds can contact DATCP’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-422-7128 or DATCPHotline@wisconsin.gov, or file a complaint online at www.datcp.wi.gov
Stakeholders have been preparing for the 2020 Census for years, and while the COVID-19 pandemic has altered some of their plans, this does not mean the United States cannot have a successful census.
● There are three ways to respond to the 2020 Census from the comfort of your own home -online, by phone or by returning the paper questionnaire! Just a reminder, the website accepting census responses will go live on March 12 at 2020 at Census.gov. Households will begin receiving invitations to participate in the 2020 Census March 12-20.
● People can get questions answered and respond to the 2020 Censu in English and 12 non English languages by calling phone questionnaire assistance.
● The Census Bureau has plans in place for if/when a pandemic occurs during census operations - this includes the coronavirus. They will continue to stay up-to-date on the status of the virus and adjust their plans accordingly.
DMV limiting in-person services beginning March 23
Wisconsin DMV delivers vital services to Wisconsin residents. However, some functions are within DMV’s control and others remain state law. To continue to meet legal requirements, while protecting the public and staff, the following changes will be implemented temporarily:
Driver licenses and CDLs that expire during this public health emergency will be automatically extended 60 days. Late fees will be waived. The driver record, visible to law enforcement, will show the extension and that the driver license is valid.
All driver skills tests are being cancelled as of March 18 until further notice.
Customers are being notified that Administrative Suspension hearings will be offered by telephone (or paper), not in-person.
Service centers will reopen with limited services
Social distancing remains a best practice to combat the spread of the virus and efforts. When Wisconsin DMVs reopen Monday, March 23, in-person customer service will be restricted, by appointment only, to:
New driver licenses
Issuing identification cards
To make an appointment, customers can use the Driver License Guide (wisconsindmv.gov/DLGuide). They can also use this guide to begin the paperwork and submit it electronically. Customers with questions may call Driver Services at (608) 264-7447.
Customers who do not book an appointment will be assisted in order of their arrival when appointments are not otherwise booked, and there is space within the lobby to wait. DMV will follow guidelines for public spacing requirements.
Wisconsin State Parks and Trails Remain Open to Public
Wisconsin State Parks and Trails will remain open to the public. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources continues to receive the most up-to-date information and will adjust operations as conditions change. We will continue to monitor on-the-ground circumstances each day to determine if park closures become necessary.
Recent guidance from the Department of Health Services (DHS) recommends canceling or postponing gatherings of 10 people or more to help protect Wisconsinites, visitors and staff from the spread of COVID-19, particularly those who are most vulnerable to infection and severe disease.
Parks, law enforcement and property staff will be diligently ensuring groups larger than 10 do not congregate as well as provide routine sweeps of state park system properties.
Beginning March 19, 2020, the DNR will implement the following changes to the operation of all state parks and recreation areas across the state consistent with guidance provided by the Wisconsin Department of Health and Department of Administration.
Here is what to expect:
Voluntary Registration Fees
Admission is voluntary at this time via self-registration or electronic kiosks
Close all state park offices, visitor centers, and non-essential buildings for duration of public health emergency; bathrooms remain open
Effective immediately, the DNR will close the following state buildings to the public: Park headquarters, offices, visitor centers, nature centers, research stations, ranger stations, shooting ranges, fish hatcheries, shelters, showers, concessions, and indoor group camp buildings on all DNR owned properties open to the public.
Restrooms on state properties will remain open given there are enough resources, cleaning supplies and access to personal protective equipment for staff to maintain them.
Properties will continue to be staffed and outdoor recreational opportunities (hiking, trails, fishing, hunting, etc.) remain open at this time.
Visitors are reminded to practice proper personal hygiene to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to limit group sizes to under ten people when enjoying state properties.
Camping And Special Permits
All campsites (Individual, group, and indoor) are closed through April 30, 2020.
Refunds will be issued to all customers.
No new reservations will be accepted until further notice.
DNR staff or Camis Reservations staff will be reaching out to individuals with current or upcoming group camping reservations to issue refunds. Any other questions regarding camping reservations can be directed to the Camis Call Center at 1-888-947-2757.
DNR property managers will also be contacting groups or individuals who have existing special event permits.
Our customer service representatives also continue to provide service via phone at 1-888-936-7463 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
For updates on event cancellations and building closures at DNR properties, visit the DNR website or follow @WIDNR on Facebook, @wi_dnr on Instagram, or @WDNR on Twitter.
