Dear Friends,

I hope you are all safe and healthy. I know these are trying times. Many people have lost their jobs and we are in uncharted waters with the COVID-19 pandemic. However, I remain optimistic that Wisconsin will rebound. In fact, I'm not alone.

According to Business Insider, Wisconsin is among the best fiscally prepared states to handle a recession. Also, the real estate website Redfin, lists the Milwaukee area as one of the places with the lowest economic risk in this recession. Thanks to careful budgeting, we are in pretty good fiscal shape as a state.

Wisconsin is not alone in our fight against COVID-19. The national response is a key factor in keeping our state safe. My friend Mary Buestrin takes a look at the federal response to the crisis here.

What will the future of education look like when our schools reopen? According to the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, a bill I authored with Representative Jeremy Thiesfeldt of Fond du Lac, will help more kids have access to online learning opportunities.

During this tough time, I wanted to point out some of the good news in our area. I'd like to thank Benjamin Gelfand of Mequon. Benjamin is blessing seniors by helping them get groceries. Please take a moment to read his amazing story.

I'd also like to thank Concordia University which is offering up some of their buildings to area hospitals to help deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. They are also using 3D printers to make masks for healthcare workers. You can read more about it and help them build more below.

Congratulations to the elementary school teachers in Germantown who found a unique way to stay connected to their students. The teachers recently held a car parade for their students. What a great way to keep in touch and maintain safe social distancing.

Also congratulations to Professor Karyn Frick of Bayside for being named a 2020 UW Regent Scholar. Karyn is a Professor of Psychology and UW-Milwaukee. She is making breakthroughs in her Alzheimer's Disease research. You can watch a video about her work here.

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

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!
Area Healthcare Leaders Discuss COVID-19
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.
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.
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.
Voting Information
Breaking news: A federal judge has extended the deadline to order an absentee ballots to 5:00 pm TONIGHT.

Visit MyVoteWI.gov to order your ballot.

Also, the judge extended the deadline to receive ballots to April 13th.

With the April 7th election approaching, many communities are in need of poll workers. If you are willing and able to help, please contact your local clerk or visit  MyVoteWI.gov or click on the picture.

Some communities like Germantown and Milwaukee are consolidating polling locations on April 7th. Please check with your local municipalities for the most up-to-date information. You can find links to your local clerks here.
How to Help
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.