Everyone needs to do their part to make sure we get through this as quickly as possible. Our local businesses, economy, and more importantly many lives depend on us to make smart and selfless decisions. Make sure you follow the CDC guidelines of good hygiene to help avoid getting the virus.

I'm thankful we were able to expand access to Telehealth before the pandemic. I'm grateful that Governor Evers is using the tools in the bill to make sure Wisconsinites stay safe.

I'd like to thank all of the doctors, nurses, and health care professionals that are on the frontline of this battle. I know we will get through this. Take care of yourself and each other.

Also, don't forget about all of our great local businesses. You can find ways to support them including ordering food for delivery or pickup. There is a link to those great restaurants below.

I joined area school administrators and elected officials in supporting guidelines for re-opening area schools and getting children back into the classroom. In an effort to share best practices and ideas, I coordinated meetings with area lawmakers and superintendents to create a better understanding of the challenges facing local schools.

 

The recommendations are a series of guiding principles defined to use as cornerstones of our school districts’ learning plan for the 2020-21 school year as we plan for recovery, reentry, and beyond.

 

There is no one-size fits all plan for our schools, but these guidelines outline the priorities of getting kids back to school, back into the classrooms, and back to normalcy. I’ve talked to pediatricians who have universally expressed deep concerns with disruptions in learning, situations at home that relate to mental health and domestic violence, and further widening the achievement gap.

 

The first guiding principle is to maintain the health and safety of students and staff. All of the recommendations are based around that priority. 

 

I strongly believe this decision should be made by local officials. I’ve been in contact with every superintendent in my district. I have full confidence in the ability of our district administrators to make wise and informed decisions. They are consulting with health professionals, parents, and teachers. They will make the best possible decision for their communities. I strongly support their priority of getting children back into the classroom.

 

Fourteen area superintendents were apart of our covnersation and support the plan including: Todd Bugnacki, Cedarburg School District; Bryan Davis, Shorewood; Jeff Dellutri, Fox Point-Bayside ; Matt Joynt, Mequon-Thiensville School District; Greg Kabara, Nicolet Union High School; Monica Kelsey-Brown, Brown Deer; Dr. Deb Kerr, Immediate Past Brown Deer; Kieth Kriewaldt, Erin School District; Jeff Nelson, Grafton School District; Daren Sievers, Slinger School District; Larry Smalley, Glendale-River Hills; John Thomsen, Whitefish Bay; Tara Villalobos, Holy Hill Area School District; Michael Weber, Port Washington-Saukville School District. Also supporting the plan are State Representatives Jim Ott, Dan Knodl, Janel Brandtjen, and Rick Gundrum.

The recommendations are available here.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel compiled a list of area schools and their status. You can find that article here.

The table above contains data from August 5, 2020 from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services on coronavirus cases in our area.

According to data from the Center for Disease Control, emergency room visits for COVID-19 symptoms are under two percent.

Source: CDC COVID Data Tracker

The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) is delivering around $2 billion to Wisconsin to assist in costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

So far, over $1 billion of those funds have already been allocated. The largest chunk of that money, $445 million, is being set aside to help hospitals and communities in the event of another COVID-19 outbreak later this year.

Around $260 million is being used to increase testing and $200 million will help cover costs from state agencies to cover the costs associated with the pandemic. The chart above breaks down how the CARES Act funding will be used in our state.

A: The majority opinion of the Supreme Court stated that they considered Executive Order #28 issued by Secretary Andrea Palm to be considered a rule and therefore should have been promulgated through the statutory rule making procedures. They also stated that Palm exceeded her statutory authority when she confined people to their homes, forbade travel and closed businesses.

The final conclusion was that, “Emergency Order 28 is declared unlawful, invalid, and unenforceable.”

A:The legislature had asked for a stay, if the Supreme Court was to rule in their favor, in order to allow DHS to promulgate a rule and work with the legislature on the best way to address this pandemic. The Court did not grant this stay, so the decision is effective immediately.

A. All businesses can now open with no restrictions. That being said, we would suggest that you review the recommended industry specific guidelines put together by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and implement as many as you can to protect both your employees and customers. You can find those guidelines here: https://wedc.org/reopen-guidelines/

A: Local public health officials do have the authority to issue local ordinances to protect the public. So far some local counties and municipalities such as Dane County, Milwaukee County, City of Milwaukee, Brown County, City of Racine and Kenosha County have implemented restrictions similar to the Governor’s Safer at Home order. We would recommend you check with your local authorities to see if they have issued any local ordinances as they can vary as to what restrictions are put in place.

A: No, the decision specifically states that it does not apply to schools. Schools are still closed. I understand the importance of making sure families are confident sending their love ones back to school. We will be working with legislative leaders to develop the best plan for the summer and fall school sessions.

A: Yes, there are no longer restrictions on gatherings or travel (as long as your local authorities have not issued a local order as stated above). Some nursing home facilities may still have protections in place to protect residents and staff. Please check with each individual facility before visiting.

A: As a business owner, it is your decision when and how to best open your business. WEDC has put together industry specific recommendations on how to safely operate. You can find those recommendations here: https://wedc.org/reopen-guidelines/

A: DHS could promulgate a rule to implement such regulations. We will begin working with leaders to begin the process to promulgate a rule to address future issues universities opening up in the fall, large summer concerts/events, summer camps etc.

As I stated above, the ruling from the Supreme Court does not mean we should abandon smart and safe practices. Businesses need to put practices in place to protect themselves, their employees, and their customers.

I encourage all businesses to take a look at the reopening guidelines put together by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. Click on the picture for more.

The Wisconsin Hospitals Association is posting updated information on the pandemic in our state.

Click on the picture to check out their helpful dashboard to see first-hand the effect the crisis is having on our health care providers.

Wisconsin is now under a public health emergency to deal with the virus. That designation will help make our state eligible for federal funding to combat the Coronavirus.

I will continue to work on smart solutions to help people get the care they need such as telehealth, direct primary care, and other innovations.

Click on the picture above to get the most recent updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC also has recommendations to help prepare your household for the coronavirus.

The White House website also has important information regarding stopping the spread of the Coronavirus.

Dr. John R Raymond, Sr., is the President and CEO of the Medical College of Wisconsin.

In this video, Dr. Raymond discusses how COVID-19 is different than most flu and stresses the importance of social distancing to prevent the spread of the illness.

Dr. Smriti Khare has served as president of Children’s Wisconsin Primary Care since 2011. In her role, she provides leadership and direction for the 25 primary care sites and seven urgent care sites in

southeastern Wisconsin.

In the video, Dr. Khare says young people are not immune from COVID-19.

The lock down is difficult for everyone. TMJ4 News put together a useful list of helpful services available during these tough times.

Click on the picture for resources to help in dealing with this crisis.

If you are an essential worker and in need of childcare,

the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families is offering help.

Click on the picture to find out more.

AAA is providing free roadside assistance for healthcare workers and first responders. You do not need to be a member to access this service.

Call 833-222-3284 if you need assistance. Click on the logo for more information.

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a nutrition program for pregnant women, infants, women who are breastfeeding, postpartum women, and children younger than five.

WIC is encouraging women who were recently furloughed to see if they are eligible for help. Click on the picture of find a WIC office near you.

If your job is being affected by the Coronavirus, help is available from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.

Click on the picture to find helpful links and answers to many questions.

Thanks to the Federal CARES Act, you may be eligible for benefits even if you don’t qualify for Unemployment Insurance.

Click on the picture for more information.

The Federal Reserve is expanding the Main Street lending program to reach more small and medium-sized businesses.

The expansions include:

Click on their logo to find out more.

Disaster loans are available from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Click not their logo to apply and check your application status.

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is created a Small Business 20/20 program to help companies affected by the emergency declaration regarding the COVID-19 virus.

Click on the picture for more information.

Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce compiled an "Employer Tool Kit" to help navigate this crisis.

Click on the picture for more.

Many schools and food banks are available if you need meals.

If you or someone you know needs food dial 2-1-1.

The Hunger Task Force also provides meals and help for low-income seniors.

Many schools are continuing to provide meals for students. Click on your school district for more information. Please contact your district directly for more information if they are not listed below.

If you need testing for COVID-19, a number of local health care providers are providing tests.

Ascension Wisconsin will cover Coronavirus testing for uninsured patients.

Please call your health provider before going to a hospital or clinic.

Do you or anyone you know need internet access? The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has resources to help people find broadband access at a free or reduced rate during this crisis.

Find out more by clicking the picture.

Bored kids? Click on the picture to visit more than forty websites that offer virtual tours and experiences of everything from National Parks, to the White House, to the a tour of Laura Ingalls Wilder's home in Pepin.

Click on the picture to see what's available.

March is Women's History Month. The Wisconsin Historical Society is telling the amazing stories of women who helped shape our great state.

Click on their logo to read and learn about these incredible ladies and their contributions to Wisconsin.

The Milwaukee County Zoo has several games and fun activities on their website.

Click the picture to find out more.

While Governor Evers reopened most state parks last month, he made it very difficult to buy admission stickers. I heard from many constituents who tried many times without success to order passes by phone.

I contacted the Governor asking him to allow online purchasing of State Park Admission stickers and I am happy to report now you can. Click on the picture to order a pass.

During the COVID-19 shutdown, both the Internal Revenue Service and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue extended the deadlines to file your taxes to July 15th.

The new deadline is just around the corner. Don't forget to file!

Recently, Congress passed a $2 trillion stimulus bill that could send you $1,200 per person and $500 per child under 17.

The National Conference of State Legislatures has a breakdown on what the legislation could mean for you.

Click on the picture for more.

The Coronavirus outbreak is leading to a major blood shortage. The Red Cross and Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin are looking for healthy donors to give blood and platelets for patients in need.

Click on the links to schedule an appointment.

The Masked Sewists for SE Wisconsin is a group of volunteers that makes masks for workers in hospitals, group homes, nursing homes, and other organizations in need in our area.

They could use your help! Click on their logo to find more information, patterns, and where to drop off the masks.

The Hunger Task Force is looking for volunteers to help get food to low-income seniors in our area. They need to provide 10,000 boxes a month to meet the need. Click on the picture for more information and to fill out an application to help.

Many restaurants are still delivering and providing take out. The Wisconsin Restaurant Association maintains a statewide list of where you can still order takeout from great restaurants.

Click open the picture to find a location near you.

You can still support small business owners purchasing from by shopping from their website or by buying a gift card to use later.

Many local businesses rely on positive online reviews. Giving your favorite shops an encouraging rating can help drive more customers to their websites and help them through this difficult time.