COVID-19 UPDATE
Dear Friends,

I hope you are well. Our state is facing growing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nationally, one in six people is now out of work. Here in our state, Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties are two of the top three counties for unemployment claims.

I continue to talk with healthcare and business leaders to get people back to work in a smart and safe way. Leaders in our community are also working on ways to safely get their area up and running again and I applaud their leadership.

The Washington Ozaukee County Health Department released a “ Blueprint for Reopening Ozaukee and Washington Counties.” It shows how a regional plan can be implemented for a smart and safe re-opening our economy. I sent a letter to Governor Evers asking him to consider using a regional plan, like this one, instead of a one-size-fits-all approach.

Today is the first day golf courses are allowed to operate on a limited basis. However, the Governor's "Stay-at-Home" order banned the use of golf carts. I heard from constituents that this restriction prevents disabled people from golfing. I contacted the governor on their behalf and I'm happy to report the ban on golf carts was lifted.

There's an update to a recent story I shared about Concordia University making personal protective equipment for our front line healthcare workers. The University is now partnering with the Mequon-Thiensville School District to use 3D printers to make N95 masks. You can find out more information below and contribute to helping them protect even more healthcare workers.

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!
Get the Latest Information on COVID-19
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.
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 care 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.
Free Roadside Assistance for Healthcare Workers
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.
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.