Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

February is Black History Month! I always look forward to being part of the programming that the Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus puts on to celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans throughout history. While we can't be together in the same way this year to celebrate our history, I hope you have a chance to take part in some of the virtual opportunities that are available. Included below is information about some of the virtual events that the Black Caucus is hosting, as well as additional community events hosted by local organizations. 

As always, please let my office know what issues are important to you!

Sincerely, 

LaTonya Johnson
State Senator

As in previous years, the Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus will be hosting a variety of programming to observe Black History Month. Black History Month is an opportunity to reflect on the history, culture, and progress of African Americans. This year, the Black Caucus will host a series of virtual events that focus on a specific topic each week. Topics will include economic development, education and families, health and mental health, and criminal justice. For a list of virtual events being held by the Black Caucus visit, www.facebook.com/BlackCaucusWI

Virtual Events: COVID-19 Town Hall, Mental Health Roundtable, & Wellness Panel 

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, I will be hosting three virtual events along with other members of the Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus. I hope you will join us and our panel of experts as we explore how COVID-19 has impacted the health and mental health of communities of color. More information about the events and how to register is included below:

The first virtual event will be held on February 15 at 1:30 PM via Zoom, and will explore how racial health care disparities have impacted communities of color during COVID-19, as well as the importance of the COVID-19 vaccination. Register in advance to participate in the panelists virtual Q&A.

The second virtual event will be held on February 17 at 1:30 PM via Zoom, and will provide an overview on how COVID-19 impacts stress and mental health concerns within communities of color, as well as the increase in incidents of domestic violence and homicide during COVID-19. Register in advance to participate in the panelists virtual Q&A.

The third virtual event will be held on February 19 at 12:00 PM via Zoom. Join our panel with Aaron Perry and the Rebalanced-Life Wellness Association, a group of experts, activists and leaders that are dedicated to promoting the health and wellbeing of Black Men in our community. Register in advance to participate in the panelists virtual Q&A.

Click here for a larger version of the flyer below.

Local Black History Month Events
Every year, the County and City of Milwaukee, as well as many local organizations offer multiple opportunities to celebrate Black History Month. This year, they have turned to virtual platforms to host their events, as we continue to overcome the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information about Black History Month events happening in our community, click here.

Federal Eviction Moratorium
On January 20, the federal eviction moratorium was extended through March 31, 2021. The eviction moratorium protects tenants from being evicted based on nonpayment of rent due to the impacts of COVID-19. Nevertheless, Wisconsin renters should know that they are not automatically entitled to protection from eviction under the CDC order. To invoke the moratorium renters must provide a signed copy of the declaration form provided by the CDC (or a similar declaration) to their landlord. To learn more about the moratorium and to see if you qualify, click here.  

Wisconsin Vaccine Rollout Moves into
Phase 1B
Recently, The Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced that as of January 25, 2021 people age 65 and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. This announcement comes as the state’s vaccination rollout moves into Phase 1B. In addition, Police officers, firefighters and unaffiliated health care workers also are included in this phase. As our state continues to grapple with the pandemic, getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect yourself and our community from COVID-19. More information about the announcement is available here. Eligible individuals may register to receive the vaccine at www.healthymke.com.

Committee Action on COVID-19 Vaccination Groups
On January 22, the Senate Committee on Human Services, Children & Families held a public hearing to discuss a variety of bills related to COVID-19. These bills, specifically SB 8, will further impede our state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and exclude vulnerable populations from receiving the vaccination in a timely fashion. As the ranking democrat on the committee, I was proud to vote against SB 8 and stand up for people who are incarcerated, as well as for the lives and working conditions of correctional officers and their families. You can read more about my remarks and the committee’s actions here.

Double Masking to Prevent COVID-19
As more contagious coronavirus strains emerge, health experts say it’s probably a good idea to begin doubling up on your face masks. To learn more, click here.

Congresswoman Gwen Moore.............................414-297-1140
Governor Evers.....................................................608-266-1212
Milwaukee Common Council...............................414-286-2221
Milwaukee County Board....................................414-278-4222
Milwaukee Police Department.............................414-933-4444
Poison Control......................................................800-222-1222
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program..............800-815-0015
Medigap Helpline.................................................800-242-1060
Consumer Protection Hotline..............................800-422-7128
Department of Health Services............................608-266-1865
Workforce Development......................................608-266-3131
Public Service Commission..................................800-225-7729
SeniorCare Wisconsin.........................................800-657-2038
WI Commissioner of Insurance Complaints.......800-236-8517

For other useful phone numbers, click here!