Today, the Assembly convened virtually for the first time ever to address COVID-19. After updating my home internet a few weeks ago, I video conferenced in and participated remotely.
We took meaningful action by passing Assembly Bill 1038 today. Over the past month, I have heard from so many of my constituents about how COVID-19 has impacted their lives. Some have lost their jobs and still need an income to put food on the table for their families. Many in agriculture are experiencing issues with the supply chain, commodity prices, or labor. Others own businesses and are struggling to keep their books balanced. Even more are grappling with the emotions of these uncertain times we’re finding ourselves in.
The health and safety of Wisconsinites is my top priority, and it must be the legislature’s top priority too. I am glad the Assembly met and took action today. However, today cannot be the final date that we meet in regards to COVID-19.
I am ready to work on whatever is needed to get our state through this crisis. The legislature must do everything possible to keep our communities safe, protect our democracy, and support our businesses. These are unprecedented times, and we must continue working for the people we represent.
AB 1038 Contents
Assembly Bill 1038 (AB 1038) is a long bill with just over 80 pages of material. This bill does many things. I have put together a list of some of the things this bill does. I have also included a link to the bill itself, as some of you may want specifics on certain provisions.
AB 1038:
Repeals the 1 week waiting period for unemployment benefits until February 7, 2021. This will allow those eligible for unemployment to receive benefits sooner, and may allow those Wisconsinites to qualify for additional federal unemployment benefits. For questions, look at the Department of Workforce Development's FAQ site. They will continually update their site and the list of FAQs. Please expect a slight delay in this list reflecting changes as AB 1038 was passed just hours ago.
Requires the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to prepare a plan on how to support the major industries in Wisconsin that have been adversely affected by COVID-19.
Prohibits the Department of Public Instruction from publishing a school or school district accountability report for the current school year.
Expands work-share programs including allowing eligibility of any employees of a specific employer, rather than the eligibility being limited to employees in a particular work unit.
Enhances federal medical assistance including delaying the implementation of the requirement that childless adults perform community engagement activities.
Requires the Department of Health Services include coverage of vaccinations through the SeniorCare program.
Allows a household to apply for heating assistance under the low-income energy assistance program at any time during the 2020 calendar year.
Prohibits insurers from discriminating based on a COVID-19 diagnosis.
Allows a town board to postpone the annual town meeting so that it does not occur within the public health emergency or within 60 days of the emergency ending.
Allows a WRS annuitant who is hired during the public health emergency by a public employer to elect not to suspend their annuity for the public health emergency. This will allow public employees who are retired to come back to work without being penalized, if they choose to do so.
To read the bill, click here. AB 1038 now heads to the Senate, which will convene tomorrow.
Rule of 49
Usually, this would be the last e-newsletter coming from my legislative office this year. To prevent legislators from using state resources for campaign purposes, we are not allowed to send out more than 49 pieces of the same material after April 15th of each election year.
This rule, called the "Rule of 49", includes emails, paper mail, Blue Books, maps, etc. However AB 1038, which was passed by the Assembly today, makes an exception for correspondence relating to COVID-19. Due to this unprecedented public health emergency, I will continue to communicate important updates on COVID-19.
As always, my office remains open to you for all legislative services. Just email Rep.Considine@legis.wi.govor call (608) 266-7746.
DNR Updates
Usually in Spring, all 72 counties hold in person public meetings called the Wisconsin Conservation Congress. These Spring Hearings were switched to a completely online input forum. The link went live last night at 7:00PM and will remain open for 72 hours. To provide input on natural resource advisory questions from the DNR, Natural Resources Board (NRB), and Wisconsin Conservation Congress, click here.
I encourage you to reach out to my office with any questions or concerns during this time. It is important to me to hear from you on issues at the state level. Thank you to everyone who has already contacted my office.
Do you have a positive story to share? I am sharing positive stories on my social media sites in the coming weeks and would like to include you! If you have a story and a picture that you would like shared on my Facebook or Instagram page, email me at Rep.Considine@legis.wi.gov or tag me in your post and watch to see if it gets posted!
