OPINION: NO, YOUR DOUBTS ARE NOT WRONG. THIS WHOLE THING IS JUST GETTING RIDICULOUS
By John Jacobson: Government & Member Relations Director
These are the personal opinions of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the organization
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I really debated with myself on whether or not I would write something this week. Like many of you, I just sit back in awe each day when watching or scrolling through the news. "What's next?" I keep asking myself. “What will we be forced to accept next?” This whole thing is getting ridiculous.
There is no doubt that small businesses and workers across the country are at a complete loss. A few weeks ago, we were living in one of, if not the most prosperous points in our lives. Suddenly, the wind was knocked out of us by a series of uncontrolled body-slams. But this time, it wasn't faulty mortgages or risky investments that dealt the blow. The culprit, they tell us, is invisible to the naked eye. You can’t see it. You can’t detect it.
Just stay at home
. Don’t go anywhere. Just do it. “
We are all in this together
.” But are we?
While the Democrat-favoring Main Stream Media is "reporting" with
headlines like
"Coronavirus is Wreaking Havoc on Small Businesses,"
remember one thing: It was the government reaction that threw your family's livelihood into peril. It was not the virus. While they keep
using COVID-19 to scare the hell out of us
, in states like Wisconsin, the government was busy
picking winners and losers
- “essential” vs. “non-essential.”
Still, they
turn people like Senator Ron Johnson into villains
for comparing coronavirus deaths to things like annual flu deaths or automobile fatalities. They make it sound like people who ask simple questions are sowing the seeds of discord in America, or that we don't care about our neighbors or those at risk.
Isn't it ironic for a group of people who won't shut up about their
love for science
?
Well, I have a few questions. And I'm going to ask them. Maybe you won't like them, but they are
my
questions. Because as a libertarian conservative man living in the year 2020, I'm not going to go limp and start drooling when an administration like Tony Evers' barks a command at me from the Capitol in Madison. Like many of you, I have at-risk people in my family. My parents, my grandparents. I understand and respect the importance of
some
of the orders from the administration.
But the fact remains, there are some serious economical and constitutional concerns with the prolonged nature of the "Safer at Home" order and the new stimulus deal.
What is the threshold for when public life can return to normal? When will those “at risk” groups be the ones required to alter their daily lives, while the rest of us work our asses off to salvage what’s left of this economy?
Why are we shutting down life for something that is killing people at a slower rate than the
common flu?
Why are areas that have not seen a single case of this virus still forced to close down their businesses?
What is our plan to pay back the "stimulus" legislation?
Your freedom to petition your government has been halted.
Courts have shut down
. You couldn't challenge the constitutionality of the "safer-at-home" order if you tried.
Your freedom to peaceably assemble has been extinguished. If you, your family, and friends wanted to gather en masse to march on the State Capitol because your businesses are about to go bankrupt, you would be
arrested or ticketed
.
Your freedom to worship has been thrown out the window, no matter which faith you practice. I have been a Catholic my whole life. I will be prevented, thanks to the actions of government,
from attending mass on Easter
, the holiest of holidays in my faith. The day when mankind's salvation became reality- when Christ made good on his promise.
These questions and concerns are not wrong. They are not controversial. They are the essence of America. Doing what your told, when you're told at the whim of incompetent elected "leaders" is not the American spirit.
It never has been
.
John Jacobson has been the Government and Member Relations Director for Wisconsin Property Taxpayers, Incorporated since 2015. His responsibilities are to analyze public policy, lobby for WPT member interests, and assist small business owners with regulatory and other issues.
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COVID-19: EMPLOYER RESOURCES AND INFORMATION AVAILABLE
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NEWS FROM THE CAPITOL AND AROUND WISCONSIN
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MASSIVE STIMULUS PASSES CONGRESS, SIGNED INTO LAW FRIDAY
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The President signed a $2 trillion stimulus bill on Friday that, among many things, sends $1,200 to every adult American. Parents will receive $500 per child.
The plan also provides an additional $600 per worker, per week, for individuals on unemployment. There has been some confusion regarding this provision. Regardless of how much money they were making previously, each worker claiming unemployment will receive $600 per week, for between eight and sixteen weeks. In Wisconsin, the maximum unemployment benefit is $370 per week. That would mean that some individuals will receive $970 per week.
Additionally, small businesses will be allowed to take advantage of an unprecedented forgivable loan program. Borrowers will be allowed to borrow 2.5x their payroll, utility, mortgage or rent costs. Eight weeks from the time that loan is originated, what the small business spends on those items will be forgiven. The remaining balance and interest will automatically be deferred for a year, and the loan will amortize across ten years.
WPT is in contact with several sources regarding the implementation on these loans.
Yesterday, Secretary of Treasury Steven Mnuchin said the process would be extremely simple, and that all FDIC-approved banks, credit unions, and other lenders would be authorized to issue those loans, as they are 100% federally-backed. To date, however, that authorization has not been given, and the SBA has still not issued guidance.
Please check www.wptonline.org/covid19 for updates.
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MILWAUKEE, MADISON STOP CHECKING VOTER IDENTIFICATION, ELECTION BATTLE ENSUES
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Clerks in Milwaukee and Dane Counties have suspended checking required voter identification for in-person absentee and online registration. They claim that a provision in the law that says if a person is indefinitely confined, they do not need to show identification. The clerks say that all citizens of Wisconsin are indefinitely confined due to the "safer-at-home" order, and therefore the law applies.
But the nonpartisan attorneys at the Legislative Reference Bureau in the Capitol say that is not the case, and that ultimately, these clerks are forcing voters to break the law and to risk prosecution.
Tony Evers last week also tried to move the election to an mail-in election after local elections officials around the state say that poll workers are resigning in droves, and that there is no way to keep individuals safe on Election Day. Republican leaders say that there is simply not enough time before the April 7th election to convert the election to mail-in only.
A whopping four lawsuits have been filed to either postpone, halt, or convert the election. One suit, filed by the City of Green Bay, was thrown out by a federal judge who said the City had no standing to bring such a lawsuit.
Check www.wptonline.org/covid19 for updates.
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IN THE DARKEST OF TIMES, MANUFACTURERS AND SMALL BUSINESSES RISE TO THE CHALLENGE
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Manufacturers around Wisconsin are rising to the unprecedented challenge of the government shutting down the state economy and businesses that it deems "non-essential."
All around the state, manufacturers and small businesses have been donating supplies, providing funds to relief efforts, helping their employees, and retooling their facilities to begin mass-producing items of which hospitals and communities are in need.
Governor Tony Evers last week also launched Wisconsin's COVID-19 PPE Program, which is designed "to get more personal protective equipment, such as gowns, gloves and masks, to those working on the front lines of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wisconsinites can now go to covid19supplies.wi.gov/Donations to either donate or sell large quantities of PPE to the State of Wisconsin. The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) will then distribute the PPE to communities that need it the most.
“We are amazed at the outpouring of offers from businesses and other organizations who have already told us they want to help fill the critical need for this equipment across the state,” said Dr. Darrell L. Williams, Wisconsin Emergency Management administrator. “Our staff has already been working to review those offers of support, and our hope is this site will help to streamline that process going forward.”
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EVERS SUSPENDS ALL EVICTIONS, FORECLOSURES
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Governor Tony Evers last week directed the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to temporarily order the suspension of evictions and foreclosures amid the COVID-19 public health emergency.
The order prohibits landlords from evicting tenants for any reason unless failure to proceed with the eviction will result in an imminent threat of serious physical harm to another person and mortgagees from commencing civil action to foreclose on real estate for 60 days. Wisconsinites who are able to continue to meet their financial obligations are urged to do so. This order does not in any way relieve a person's obligation to pay their rent or mortgages.
“During this time individuals, families, and small businesses may see disruptions in paychecks due to losing hours, tips, business, or employment. This is another step we can take to prioritize the health and safety of Wisconsinites during this public health emergency,” said Gov. Evers. “Evictions and foreclosures pose a direct and serious threat to the health and well-being of Wisconsinites, ensuring they are able to keep a roof over their heads and those in social services can prioritize assisting those who currently do not have shelter is critically important.”
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UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS SURGED FOR SECOND WEEK
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The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has created a website for the public to show the statistics of unemployment claims in Wisconsin during the government's COVID-19 response.
Sunday, 10,872 (2020) vs. 963 (2019)
Monday, 21,250 (2020) vs. 1412 (2019)
Tuesday 18,638 (2020) vs. 918 (2019)
Wednesday 19,438 (2020) vs. 699 (2019)
Thursday 19,489 (2020) vs. 672 (2019)
Friday 18,386 (2020) vs. 748 (2019)
Saturday 7,606 (2020) vs. 228 (2019)
Total- 115,679 claims in one week, versus the same week last year, which totaled 5,640 claims.
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By clicking the link, you acknowledge that it is the policy of WPT, Inc. to publish all comments that are submitted by members each week, often including broad differences of opinion within the weekly responses. Our organization values our role in fostering dialogue within our membership, but does not take responsibility for the individual views and opinions expressed herein. It is the right of WPT to remove responses that what the organization deems to be vulgar, hateful, or inflammatory language.
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WEEKLY MEMBER POLL RESULTS
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Do you feel a shelter-in-place order is an overreach?
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Rural areas are less effected than urban. Our state is mostly urban. If they had such an ongoing problem I Milwaukee and Madison actions should have taken place sooner there. How do you deaths other than covid 19 measure up. Probably close to the same. 8500 died in 1918 from that influenza with a much lower population in numbers. Increase in cases just show greater testing available and results are returning.
We are an essential business, but unfortunately we are getting people into our business that really should not be out right now, government officials complain about young people not heeding the warning, the old people are the problem! They aren't listening and if they are ones we are trying to protect, lock them all down and let the rest of us go on with our lives!
depends how bad the Covid19 gets.
Evers should have gone by county! Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Waukesha, and Dane and maybe Fond du Lac
I see the point. We, as a whole, are morons and don't seem to get it, but I have a real problem with anyone telling me what I can and cannot do within the law. If I have to start carrying papers, then I'll be out of my mind mad!!!!
Yes. This is nothing more than a viral pneumonia. That is why it affects the old more so than the young. The only reason for these policies is to not overburden the health care system which is already close to capacity due to the flu. Too bad the hospitals didn't spend their money on equipment and supplies rather than building bigger and prettier buildings. I would rather go to a well run hospital in a generic building than to a poorly run hospital in a fancy building. Bought time some hospital boards and CEO's go to jail.
I don’t have enough expertise to make that decision
Its to bad that Govenment has to tell people what to do , as if people can think for theselves
Not an over-reach in outbreak areas. We aren't getting rid of the hysteria unless we shut down the world for 4 weeks to kill it off completely. There is no good answer.
I do feel that it is overreach but,there are some individuals that do not make good decisions on there own and probably need to be told what to do.
Any one saying this is an overreach, look at the mortality rate on this, and our response...I have enough health compromised people in my life, you all can stay away!
In today's world self policing would be better business people want to keep workers safe, Walmart and Menards are the bad places and remain open
I doubt it does much besides hurting business and employees. There's already no where to go after work. People are being careful . this is pointless.
Too much government control.
This virus has been overhyped,especially in comparison to past viruses,If we all go broke,there won't be any money to provide healthcare services.Bet the big gov't people are happy though.s
If we, as individuals, are not smart enough to keep ourselves safe my making our own shelter-in-place decision, then perhaps it's better that we're gone!
In some areas of our stae this action may be appropriate, but not where I live.
Not realistic and not the best for your health. Stay healthy, get exposed, and hopefully you wont get sick.
We all don't like it but will be better off because of it.
This whole thing is such baloney, I can hardly stand it anymore.
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Do you think Wisconsin's April 7 election should be moved?
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Ok in rural areas of move to later date all of state. Take those old voters off the list. Do not give vote to felons.
I do not know what the hype is all about, we always vote on election day, but because of what is going on, my wife and I have requested absentee ballots, now if our local clerk does not get them to us, then I'll feel differently, but we requested them, so they had better show up!
Lets find a way to keep the election happening. Many have already voted absentee. Maybe the polling places can limit how many enter at a time and do proper disinfecting between each turn. I know this is extra work but at least we can vote on time.
If we are going to protect the poll workers it should.
There are other options to voting.
Nope.
I don’t see any problem leaving the people that are already in the positions there maybe until August when there is another election date already set up
I do not understand Gov Evers thoughts on this
I would like to keep the opportunity for fraud down.
One option to keep the day: Only allow lower risk people that have tested negative work the polls. Pay the poll workers for three weeks at a rate considerably better than getting unemployment. Voting day and a mandatory 14+ day in-home quarantine.
We all know how to protect ourselves and others,common sense should keep us all safe.
provide gloves and masks at polling entrance. require the use.
County Boards would be left vacant.
Absolutely should be moved,but Evers wants his Madison& Milwaukee votes(heavy absentee)and the heck with the rest of us who don't have easy access to absentee voting!
with dissension
How can you have an election when no one want to get exposed
Absentee voting is the way i'm going.
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Share any thoughts you have on the government response to COVID-19. Remember, WPT staff is still available to help with employer resources and information.
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We are sheltering in place. Our children are all working.
We all should have taken it more seriously in the beginning but hind sight is 20/20
I think our President did a great job regarding covid19. No one likes to be stuck at home but the elderly and people with chronic diseases need us to follow the restrictions
Evers has done a poor job coming out with the stay at home order. He did NOT have his ducks in a row before he made the announcement, sign of poor leadership. Keeping the state parks open, and free of charge? WHY! He wants people to stay away from others, if you need to go outside stay on your own space for heaven sakes! The joke of a bill the Senate just passed and as so proud of, including the President, shows the swamp has not be deterred one bit! The republicans have gone back to being their weak kneed selves and allowed the democrats to control the narrative, shame on any republican, including Ron Johnson for supporting the vast amount of PORK in a bill that was supposed to help those in need. You just put tons of more debt on the backs of most millennials' GREAT GRANDKIDS! Its politics as usual once again, we may as well vote for Joe, the leftist media can run the country and we can begin our transition to communism. I am almost 60 years old and I remember my mom telling me during the cold war, one the Soviet Union will take over our country without lifting a finger, watch out I can see it in my rear view mirror. Those in gov't are not working for us, they are working for their own pocketbooks and their power. They are throwing us "crumbs" so as the water gets hotter, we will not even notice it!
Doing what we are doing... Stay home.
Evers is unprepared and out of his league!
I think locally, it's been OK. What's going on in Washington should be PPV, it's mind boggling the idiocy we have to endure on a national level. This isn't the time to line our pockets. You can continue to do that after this is over, now is not the time. All parties are guilty of this right now.
This trillions of dollars in deficit spending is the first time I am scared of how far past the point of no return our government debt is. You think these shudtowns are painful? Consider how painful it will be to bring our nation back to solvency.
Our constitution reads,a government for the people and by the people.not by the government for the people
nationally, a G****m joke. The states are starting to pick up the slack. The political wrangling over the covid response bill is pathetic. On BOTH sides!
I think a gross over-reaction to a diseasse that I think we will find has already been here for at least two months.
Government over reacting, news media going insane.
We are seeing what totalitarian government is like=see George Orwell's 1984.Try to start a Depression so the Dims can blame Trump!
Way over blown
Get the election moved back, most of the poll workers in the state are 60 years or older. In our township the youngest poll worker is 71 years young. This is true for most polling places in the state.
All of these decisions are difficult and will cause significant financial distress either way.
Crazy. Total overreach.
Thanks WPT for being here for us in our time of need. you're a great resource.
Its been a cluster. Way to late to stop the curve at this point. Hopefully they will learn much about this.
Ride it out and hope for the best.
Thanks Mike and Staff for all you do for the small businesses. I couldn’t agree more with the statements made in this weeks news letter.
Overreaction.
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LRB-5919
Memo
Unemployment Benefits (Jacque, Andre) Suspension of the waiting period for collection of unemployment insurance benefits. Deadline: Thursday, March 26, 5 pm
LRB-5928
Memo
Government Meetings (Jacque, Andre) Meetings of governing bodies of political subdivisions during a state of emergency. Deadline: Wednesday, March 25, Noon
LRB-5953
Memo
States of Emergency (Craig, Dave) The length of time for a declared state of emergency; reporting of arrests fora violation of an order relating to the control of an outbreak or epidemic; requiring legislative approval of any statewide order mandating individuals to stay at home for reasons related to an epidemic, pandemic, or communicable disease; requiring a written report to the legislature detailing the justification for any ban of gatherings of 50 or fewer individuals. Deadline: Wednesday, March 25, 5 pm
LRB-5929
Memo
Postponing Meetings (Jacque, Andre) Postponing the annual town meeting and the meeting of the boards of review. Deadline: Wednesday, March 25, Noon
LRB-5924
Memo
WRS Annuitants (Jacque, Andre) Allowing certain rehired annuitants to elect to not become new participants in the Wisconsin Retirement System for a defined period. Deadline: Wednesday, March 25, Noon
LRB-5932
Memo
Prescription Drugs (Jacque, Andre) Application of prescription drug payments for health coverage. Deadline: Wednesday, March 25, Noon
LRB-5946
Memo
Property Taxes (Kooyenga, Dale) Allowing municipalities to enact an ordinance authorizing multiple property tax installments during a public health emergency. Deadline: Thursday, March 26
LRB-5942
Memo
Telehealth (Jacque, Andre) Coverage of telehealth services. Deadline: Thursday, March 26, Noon
LRB-5832
Memo
Drug Sales (Kooyenga, Dale) Regulating the sale of certain drugs and medical supplies below cost. Deadline: Thursday, March 26
LRB-5922
Memo
Credentials (Jacque, Andre) Reciprocal credentials and granting rule-making authority. Deadline: Thursday, March 26, Noon
LRB-5909
Memo
Voter Registration (Larson, Chris) The deadline for electronic voter registration during a state of emergency. Deadline: Friday, March 27, Noon
LRB-5888
Memo
Absentee Ballots (Larson, Chris) Sending absentee ballots to registered voters during a state of emergency. Deadline: Friday, March 27, Noon
LRB-5923
Memo
Absentee Ballots (Larson, Chris) Extending the deadline for applying for an absentee ballot in-person. Deadline: Friday, March 27, Noon
LRB-5917
Memo
Voter Registration (Larson, Chris) Registering to vote and obtaining a ballot by an agent during a state of emergency. Deadline: Friday, March 27, Noon
LRB-5911
Memo
Voter ID (Larson, Chris) Suspending the requirement to provide identification to vote at an election during a state of emergency. Deadline: Friday, March 27, Noon
LRB-5910
Memo
Absentee Ballot Deadline (Larson, Chris) The deadline for returning absentee ballots by mail during a state of emergency. Deadline: Friday, March 27, Noon
LRB-5908
Memo
Absentee Ballots (Larson, Chris) Canvassing absentee ballots during a state of emergency on the Sunday before an election and providing a penalty. Deadline: Friday, March 27, Noon
LRB-5830
Memo
Tax Returns (Kooyenga, Dale) Filing individual tax returns for the 2019 taxable year. Deadline: Tuesday, March 31
LRB-5957
Memo
Health Care Providers (Kooyenga, Dale) The scope of practice of health care providers and health care providers from other states. Deadline: Thursday, March 26, 3:30pm
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