Dear Friends,

For the first time in state history, the Wisconsin State Senate met both in-person and virtually to pass a bi-partisan bill to help our state respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was an important step in our state's fight against this crisis.
 
What we need next is a plan from Governor Evers on how to safely re-open the state. If he won't do it, the Legislature will. You can read about that and more below.

There are also plenty of helpful links below to help people through this crisis. There are even more on my website. Please share them with your friends and family or anyone in need.

Thank you for reading my e-mail update every week. I truly enjoy sharing what has been happening in Madison and around the state. So much has happened in the past year and this has been a great way to keep in touch with all of my constituents.

Because of state law, this will be my last e-mail update until after the fall elections. However, you will still be able to find my e-updates by visiting my website and following me on Facebook and Twitter.

As always, if you have any concerns or ideas on how to improve our great state, please do not hesitate to contact me by phone at 608-266-5830 or by email at Sen.Darling@legis.wisconsin.gov.

On, Wisconsin!
COVID-19 Response Bill Approved
The COVID-19 pandemic isn't just a health crisis, it's an economic crisis for our state. People are sick, many are without jobs, and businesses are struggling right now.

This bill makes sure people get the help they need as quickly as possible. It cuts red tape which allows the administration to act quicker to respond to the needs of our constituents.

I'm proud to support this bill because it's more than bi-partisan. The ideas in this legislation came from Republicans, Democrats, and experts affected by the pandemic and the shutdown. It is truly a Wisconsin made solution to the crisis we all face.

What our state needs now is to hear what plan Governor Evers has to restart our economy in a safe way and get people back to work.

The COVID-19 Response Bill:
  • Removes the one-week waiting period for unemployment benefits
  • Removes co-pays for COVID-19 testing
  • Expands SeniorCare to cover vaccinations
  • Allows pharmacists to extend prescriptions
  • Sets aside $75 million for future unexpected needs
  • Prohibits health insurance coverage discrimination based on COVID-19
  • Qualify Wisconsin for extra federal resources to help fund Medicaid
  • Eases licensing requirements for healthcare professionals and emergency medical responders
  • Provides the needed flexibilities to school districts to complete the school year online
  • Asks WEDC to develop a plan to help the state's major industries to recover
Darling Calls on Evers to Plan for Post Pandemic Economy
It appears President Trump will be announcing new guidelines for states to safely reopen their economies. While we know the COVID-19 crisis is not over yet, it's time for Governor Evers to plan for opening Wisconsin back up.

Our workers, business owners, students, and public need a well thought-out plan that allows our state to get back on track. Businesses are ready to provide their products safely and people are ready to get back to work. So far, the public has not heard of a plan out of the governor's office but I hope that will change soon.

Our healthcare community has worked tirelessly during this pandemic and we know now is not time to abandon on the progress we have made. But now, more than ever, is the need for a Wisconsin-specific plan that takes into account the uniqueness of our state. The governor cannot just copy and paste what other states are doing anymore.

Over the past weeks, I have met with and listened to health experts, business owners, and educational leaders. They are more than willing to provide their expertise and services to our state during and after this crisis. 

I encourage the governor to reach out to those leaders who are ready to roll up their sleeves and get our state back on the right track. It is crucial to quickly develop a plan that brings hope and certainty to our state.
Congratulations to Spring Election Winners
I'd like to congratulate the winners of the contested races in the spring election from our area. I look forward to working with each of them.

Milwaukee County Executive: David Crowley

Ozaukee County Supervisor, District 21: Justin Strom

Washington County Executive: Josh Schoemann

Washington County Supervisor, District 20: Jeff Millikin

Bayside Village Trustees: Bob Rudman and Darren Fisher

Brown Deer Village Trustees Julie Cook Quirk and Rob Cherry

Germantown School Board members Amanda Reinemann and Bob Soderburg

Glendale School Board member Danielle Bailey

Lannon Village Trustees Amy Martin, Ronald Nellis, Eric Barbieri

Menomonee Falls Trustees Katie Kress, Randy Van Alstyne, and Tim Newman

Menomonee Falls School Board members Melinda McShane and Eric Pelzer

Mequon Alderman Mark Gierl

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett

Milwaukee City Attorney Tearman Spencer

Milwaukee City Comptroller Aycha Sawa

Milwaukee City Alder Nikiya Dodd

Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Branch 5 Brett Blomme

Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Branch 29 Rebecca Kiefer

Thiensville Village Trustees Jennifer Abraham and Rob Holyoke

Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Branch 5 Jack Melvin

Good luck to each of you and every candidate who was unopposed in the election!
COVID-19 Testing Available
If you need testing for COVID-19, a number of local health care providers are providing tests.


Please call your health provider before going to a hospital or clinic.
Childcare Help for Essential Workers

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.
Help for Workers
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.
If You Need Help With Food
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.
Help for Businesses
Disaster loans are available from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Click on 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.
The Wisconsin Department of Revenue is allowing small businesses to request an extension to file sales and use tax returns due March 31, 2020 until April 30, 2020 and due April 30, 2020 until June 1, 2020.

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.
How to Help
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.
Concordia University in Mequon is making sure health care professionals get the equipment they need during this crisis by 3D printing N95 respirator masks.

They've also created a GoFundMe page to raise money to pay for the supplies they need to make more masks. Click the picture to donate if you are able.
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.