Wirch, Ohnstad and McGuire Issue Statement on Legislation to Clear Up Red Tape for Vaccine Distribution

Madison - State Senator Bob Wirch (D-Somers) and Reps. Tod Ohnstad (D-Kenosha) and Tip McGuire (D-Kenosha) issued the following statement regarding legislation they are working on to clear the way for Pfizer to distribute the forthcoming Covid-19 vaccine to other states from its Pleasant Prairie facility.

“It’s come to our attention that a flaw in federal regulations would make it difficult for Pfizer to distribute the Covid-19 vaccine from its storage location in Pleasant Prairie to other, neighboring states.  This legislation is a clean fix to that problem.  It’s something we should all be able to agree on and get done as quickly as possible,” Wirch said.

“It’s imperative that we take up and act on this legislation.  We can’t let politics get in the way or attach any poison pills. This is a critical step for distribution of the vaccine,” stated Ohnstad.

McGuire added, “As a region, we have a responsibility to our residents, as well as to neighboring states, to do what we can to allow Pfizer to distribute this life-saving vaccine.”

A delay in issuing regulations and licensing standards for 3rd party logistics providers (3PLs), a 3PL currently must present proof of licensure to each state in which it wishes to operate.  Currently, Wisconsin does not have a 3PL license.  Pfizer would need to be licensed as a 3PL by the State of Wisconsin, due to the location of its major logistics center in Pleasant Prairie, in order to be able to distribute a vaccine from the Pleasant Prairie facility to other states.