This week I introduced the Healthcare Heroes Act, along with Representative Vining.
Since the pandemic began we have been applauding the hard work, dedication and sacrifice of frontline health care workers. We have also been hearing about the day to day reality of what it’s like for them to go to work.
The Healthcare Heroes Act would provide these workers with: paid sick time, hazard pay, free COVID-19 testing and treatment, and would expand Medicaid.
These ideas have been around for months, but Republicans have refused to take action. We’ve already lost over a billion dollars to date by not expanding health care in Wisconsin. Now it’s time to do the right thing, and take care of the Healthcare Heroes that have been taking care of us.
Sincerely,
JON ERPENBACH State Senator 27th District
Department of Health Services Urges Residents to Stay Home Ahead of July 4th Weekend
DHS - The Department of Health Services urges Wisconsin residents to stay home and follow best public health practices during the upcoming Fourth of July weekend. Wisconsin has seen a recent surge in cases with half of all positive cases coming within the past five weeks. Nearly 20% of total COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin have tested positive within the past two weeks. This spike in cases is driven in part by an increase in infections among younger people, and contact tracing by some local health departments has revealed that many of these cases can traced back to bars.
This week, Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner Mark Afable issued a memo to health insurers which clarifies that discrimination by health insurance companies based on sex, gender identity or a gender dysphoria diagnosis is illegal.
No one should be denied health care, period. While Republicans are fighting to dismantle the ACA, I am happy that Wisconsin's chief insurance regulator is working to protect access and ensure equal treatment.
The Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance built a new tool - WisCovered.com - to help connect Wisconsinites with free, expert help finding health insurance.
Governor's Task Force on Caregiving Policy Proposal Comment
The Governor’s Task Force on Caregiving is asking for feedback on draft proposals being considered for a final package of recommendations they will make to the Governor at the end of September. The Task Force wants feedback from people in Wisconsin with a wide range of perspectives and experience, including family caregivers, paid direct support professionals, people receiving care, communities of color, and people living in urban and rural settings.
As of July 1, Wisconsin farmers facing increased stress and other challenges can access additional free and confidential counseling resources by contacting the Farm Center at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).
As part of a new pilot program, the Farm Center can now connect callers to a 24/7 Farmer Wellness Hotline. The hotline can be reached at 1-888-901-2558. Licensed mental health professionals contracted by the department will provide immediate, in-the-moment care.
Department of Children and Families - We have an unprecedented opportunity to make lasting improvements to Wisconsin’s early care and education system through the Preschool Development Grant (PDG). We are inviting stakeholders and community members to participate in online listening sessions via Zoom web conferencing.
Wisconsin organizations that provide emergency shelter, transitional residences and extremely low-income housing are encouraged to apply for grants from the WHEDA Foundation.
Administered by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, the WHEDA Foundation grants improve housing for community members with complex challenges such as developmental disabilities, domestic abuse, incomes at or below 30 percent of the area median income, youth homelessness and chronic mental illness. Grants of up to $40,000 are available in two categories, emergency/transitional housing and permanent housing.
During this difficult time it is worth reminding Wisconsinites that 211 exists to help when you don’t know where to turn. 211 is a resource managed by the United Way of Wisconsin. Call 2-1-1or 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.
Looking for additional resources? If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to my office at Sen.Erpenbach@Legis.WI.Gov, or call (608) 266-6670.
