I hope you are doing well and enjoying the beginning of spring blooms. On Tuesday the Wisconsin State Assembly discussed and passed 11 proposals relating to the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
Just as we did three weeks ago, the Assembly convened yesterday afternoon to debate whether the legislature should control Wisconsin’s federal COVID-19 relief funds. Just as I stated three weeks ago, I disagree with this. Governor Evers spent the last year funneling billions of federally appropriated dollars into our businesses, communities, and families. He proved he is an effective distributor as he worked with stakeholders from all across Wisconsin to achieve this. Read more about yesterday's session HERE.
As always, please contact my office if you have any questions or concerns. Continue reading for updates on small business support, budget listening sessions, the COVID-19 vaccine, and more.
Sincerely,
COVID-19 Vaccine Update
As of April 5th, all Wisconsinites ages 16+ are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Wisconsin. I encourage all who would like a vaccine to check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist for available vaccine appointments.
Find a list of vaccine providers on the Sauk County vaccine page HERE.
Find a list of vaccine providers on the Columbia County vaccine page HERE.
For more information about where you can get a vaccine, visit the DHS website HERE.
Source: Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Wisconsin continues to be one of the best states in the nation for COVID-19 vaccine distribution. As of April 13th, 3,572,358 COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Wisconsin. 37.6% of Wisconsin residents have received at least one dose and 24.8% have completed their vaccination series.
COVID-19 Update
Wisconsin’s COVID-19 activity level has been moving in the wrong direction in recent weeks. The more infectious COVID-19 variants are becoming more and more prevalent in Wisconsin. Until most Wisconsinites are vaccinated, we must remember all the tools we have to slow the spread of COVID-19 including masks and social distancing. This will slow the spread of COVID-19 and will protect those who are not yet vaccinated.
Find more information on the prevalence of COVID-19 variants in Wisconsin HERE.
Get Involved in the Budget
Thank you to everyone who came to my budget listening sessions! There are still opportunities to get involved in the budget process.
Governor Evers will be holding virtual Badger Bounceback live sessions to allow Wisconsinites to discuss, provide feedback, and share personal experiences as it relates to the budget. These meetings will take place at 6 p.m. on the following dates:
April 14th - Justice Reform & Marijuana Legalization, register HERE.
April 21st - Climate Change & Our Environment, register HERE.
Another way to get involved in the budget is by attending the Joint Finance Committee’s (JFC) upcoming virtual public hearing on the budget set for 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 28th. Capacity at this hearing will be limited, so I encourage you to register as soon as possible. Sign up to attend the hearing HERE.
Additionally, you can make a public comment on the budget on JFC's website HERE.
Earth Day
Leading up to next Thursday, Earthday.org is calling for three days of action to restore the earth. On their website you can find actions you can take today to make a difference. A few options include contacting your legislators to advocate for environmentally-centered legislation, having a conversation with your children about our environment, assessing your waste, or cleaning up a nearby park.
Governor Evers announced last week that more than $46 million will be used to support an estimated 9,300 small businesses across Wisconsin. These businesses will receive a $5,000 grant through the successful ‘We’re All In’ grant program. This program will be funded through CARES Act funds. While CARES funds were originally set to expire at the end of 2020, a federal omnibus bill signed before the end of the year extended the deadline until the end of 2021.
Thanks to the federal American Rescue Plan, health insurance premiums have decreased on Healthcare.gov and you can sign up to get covered right now! Four out of five enrollees will now be able to find a plan for $10 or less per month.
If you’ve shopped on Healthcare.gov before, I encourage you to look again! Lower prices are now available for more people than ever before. If you are are currently uninsured, already signed up for a plan through Healthcare.gov, or eligible for COBRA coverage from a former employer, you may benefit from these changes.
People looking to get enrolled or change their current plan are encouraged to visit Wiscovered.com or call 2-1-1 to get free, expert help.
Sauk County Community Health Survey
The Sauk County Heath Department is conducting a community health survey to get feedback about the health of our community and ways to improve. The survey is anonymous and takes 5-10 minutes.
As the weather gets nicer, more Wisconsinites are enjoying Wisconsin's state parks and natural areas. A few natural areas that were previously closed have reopened such as Parfrey's Glen and Pewit's Nest. The Department of Natural Resources recently released information about park system spring operations, which you can find HERE.
In addition, the DNR is currently seeking public comment on the fall 2021 wolf hunting season and future wolf management. The public comment period will be open from April 15th to May 15th. Read more about the public comment period HERE.
Resources
During these uncertain times, you may not know where to look for assistance. You can call 211 for assistance on many topic such as paying your bills, mental health resources, and more. 211 is a resource managed by the United Way of Wisconsin. Call 2-1-1 or visit their website.
Department of Corrections Helpline: The call center can be reached by members of the public Monday through Friday from 7:45am–4:30pm at (608) 240-5700.
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.
