Dear Friends,
I hope you are well. I am looking forward to working with parents, teachers, and education leaders to make sure our schools are ready for another school year. Now is the time to plan. September will be here before we know it, and we can't set up our children to fail.
While a one-size-fits-all plan won't work for our schools, they need to be prepared to open our schools safely. That might mean a plan for virtual learning or a return to the traditional classroom with many safety measures in place. We have to get ready for school and help parents feel comfortable sending their children back to learn. Learning must go on in a safe and responsible way.
Wisconsin's communities will see $200 million from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The funding is meant to off set expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here is a list of funding to
each community and to
each county in the state.
Finally, happy birthday to our great state! Wisconsin officially became a state on this day in 1848.
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!
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Click on the image above for more information.
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Update on Local Safer at Home Orders
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Several of our area communities have some restrictions in place. Here is a summary of where those orders stand.
Waukesha County:
- Open with no restrictions.
- Businesses are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines.
Washington and Ozaukee Counties:
Suburban Milwaukee County: (Includes Bayside, Brown Deer, Fox Point, Glendale, River Hills, Whitefish Bay)
- The area is currently in Phase B with the following restrictions:
- Gatherings limited to 10 people
- Child Care to follow DCF guidelines
- Retail occupancy limited to 25% of capacity
- Restaurants and Bars occupancy limited to 50% of capacity
- Gyms occupancy limited to 25% of capacity
- Places of Worship occupancy limited to 25% of capacity
- Phase B will last at least 14 days and the next stage will begin if gating measures (PPE, hospital capacity, testing, tracing, etc.) are met.
- Businesses may open but must post capacity where the public can see.
- Businesses are currently allowed to open at 60% of capacity
- Increases to 80% on Monday, June 1st
- Increases to 100% on Monday, June 8th
- Restaurants: Patios at restaurants may open but tables must be eight feet apart until June 8th and are encouraged to remain that way.
- Personal Care businesses (hair and nail salons) may open
- Must follow guidelines from CDC and Washington County Health Department
- "Moving Milwaukee Forward" mirrors Governor Evers’ "Safer at Home" order with no end date. Updates are expected in the coming days.
- Gatherings limited to less than 10 people
- Bars and restaurants closed to in-person service, only curbside and pickup.
- Retail open limited to 25% of capacity.
- Barbershops, tattoo parlors, spas and playgrounds are open. Capacity limited to less than 10 people.
Check with your community or anywhere you plan to travel for more details and guidelines. We are all encouraged to continue practice social distancing, wash hands, and stay home if you have any symptoms.
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WEDC Issues Reopening Guidelines
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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.
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Get the Latest Information on COVID-19
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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.
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State Park Passes Available Online
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Click on the links to schedule an appointment.
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