The Department of Health Services (DHS) has updated its website to include breakdowns of COVID-19 data including percentage of COVID-19 cases by age, race, gender, and severity. I encourage you to stay up to date on COVID-19 data by using the site, which is linked here.
I understand that many of you are concerned about when life in the 81st will go back to normal. The news of the extended Safer at Home order was difficult for many small business owners and employees. This is an extremely difficult time for families, individuals, farmers, and small businesses. COVID-19 has completely altered our way of life and it will likely take a very long time for our economy to recover.
Our economic recovery is directly tied to public health. The faster we can slow the spread of COVID-19, the sooner we can safely re-open the economy and keep it open. By using evidence of the experiences of countries and other states, we can restart the economy while protecting public health.
We are seeing progress on slowing the spread of the disease. Your sacrifice to practice social distancing and only make essential trips is protecting our communities. I understand this request from public health officials is not easy. It has not been easy for me or my family either. However, it does matter. Thank you.
I will continue to do my best to make sure Wisconsin does everything possible to safely reopen as soon as possible. As always, please contact my office if you have any questions or concerns. Continue reading for updates on unemployment, the Badger Bounce Back plan, and more.
Sincerely,
Unemployment Update
If it has been at least three weeks since you submitted your application and you have not received your benefits, my office may be able to help you.
If your claim is "pending," that means there are eligibility issues that require further information or investigation. You do not need to take further action at this time unless the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) tells you otherwise.
If you are experiencing a different issue with your application, please email Rep.Considine@legis.wisconsin.gov with the following information:
Full name
Address
Phone number
Email
Issue that needs to be resolved
Status of your application including the date of your initial claim and whether you have filed weekly claims since that time.
My staff will send this information to DWD and request that they look into your case.
Haven't applied yet?
Due to the high volume of claims being submitted, you are encouraged to apply online whenever possible. To find more information on unemployment benefits or to file a claim,click here.
Badger Bounce Back
Governor Tony EversandDHS-Wisconsin Resource Centerlaunched the Badger Bounce Back plan which outlines important criteria for Wisconsin to be able to open its economy in phases. It includes steps to make sure workers and businesses are prepared to reopen as soon as it is safe. These steps include increasing contact tracing, testing capacity, PPE resources, and healthcare capacity.
These metrics and progress are based on the Federal Gating Criteria and Core StatePreparedness Responsibilities found in Guidelines for Opening up America Again which was issued by the White House on April 16, 2020. Progress and metrics will be evaluated regularly and will guide decisions about when Wisconsin is ready to move from phase to phase.
The dial on opening Wisconsin has already started to turn.
Last Friday, changes went into effect that allowed businesses to conduct business through deliveries, mailings, and curb-side pick-up.
This Wednesday, changes allowing curb-side drop-off of goods and animals began, as did outdoor recreational rentals including golf carts. These changes are important steps in reopening Wisconsin in a safe way. To learn more about safe business practices on how to keep workers and consumers safe, see this link.
Child Care Provider Support
This week, the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) submitted a formal request to the Joint Committee on Finance to use $51 million to support Wisconsin's early care and education providers. This funding comes from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). DCF recently received authority to propose grant programs through legislation which passed the Assembly on April 14.
I support this proposal because it provides needed funding to the hardworking and dedicated child care providers in the state. COVID-19 has not lessened their commitment. I have heard from child care providers from the 81st who have stepped up and met the challenge of providing care in these times. Oftentimes this care is at their own expense.
The proposed grant programs must be submitted to the Joint Committee on Finance for review. DCF can begin taking applications and distributing funds once the proposal is approved.
Agriculture Update
Last month, my colleagues and I sent a letter to Secretary Perdue at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The letter requested them to take immediate action to support our farmers during this pandemic. It also supported the advocacy the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and farm groups have been doing to make Wisconsin's producers at the federal level. Last week, we received a response. To see Secretary Perdue's response, click here.
DATCP has been working to connect producers, processors, and consumers and secured three important commitments and partnerships:
Hunger Task Force committed to up to $1 million to purchase, process and distribute Wisconsin milk and dairy products. For more, click here.
The Wisconsin Pork Association and DATCP are connecting pork producers with smaller, local meat processors who will extend their hours of operation to process and package the pork to meet the growing demand for food bank and food pantry resources. For more, click here.
Rural Mutual Insurance, Feeding Wisconsin, and Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation will collect funds and source, warehouse, and provide food to those in need. For more, click here.
WDNR Update
Today, many state parks are reopening. This is great news. I enjoy getting outside and using the parks and trails. However, it is important that we all respect the park rules. This requires all of us to practice social distancing and refrain from littering.
The parks will be opened for shortened hours and with limited capacity due to COVID-19. The new hours for all properties will be 6:00AM to 7:00PM daily. All properties will close weekly on Wednesday for cleaning, and capacity will be limited to prevent overcrowding. To check the current capacity status of the park you are planning to visit, follow this link.
Annual stickers and trail passes will be required to visit state parks and trails. Stickers are available for purchase by phone at 1-888-305-0398.
The 2020 Game Fish Season opens tomorrow.
If you choose to fish, make sure to do so close to home. Don't forget to practice social distancing - even if fishing from a dock or shoreline. It is recommended that only anglers living in the same household should fish within six feet of one another.
Limit exposure: read and follow Governor Evers'Safer at Home initiative, and only take essential trips such as to your work, the grocery store, pharmacy, or health care center
Practice social distancing: stay 6 feet apart from people when in public, and limit your social circles to seeing as few people as possible (however, please make sure to virtually keep in touch with your entire support system)
Clean often: wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and refrain from touching other people (shaking hands)
Be mindful: if you are sick or think you may have come into contact with someone who is sick, stay home, avoid touching your face, and clean frequently touched surfaces often
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 will be 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!
