Dear Friends,

I hope you are well. 

The violence and destruction that took place at the State Capitol is unacceptable. I am praying for a speedy recovery for my colleague Senator Tim Carpenter after he was attacked by rioters, who also tore down two historic and iconic statues and vandalized the Capitol in Madison. I am appalled by the actions of these violent protesters and the lack of response by local leaders.
 
Time and time again, our Governor has been slow to act, and the failed leadership from the East Wing continues to become more and more transparent. The Governor needs to step up and lead. While he finally activated the National Guard, it was too late to prevent the awful damage to our State Capitol and some of its most iconic landmarks. The Governor needs to use the resources available to him to make sure every citizen feels safe, as events like this week's violence around the Capitol cannot be tolerated anywhere in our state.
 
There's better news below on our state's battle against COVID-19, a familiar face taking the lead at our University System, and a simple change I authored that should help prevent what can be a revolving door in our criminal justice system.

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!
It's Time to Open Our Schools
With only a couple months left before the start of the new school year, Governor Evers finally released guidance to schools for reopening this fall. I am concerned the plan doesn't put an emphasis on outcomes and could lead to a lost year for students. 
 
Luckily, most of the decisions will be left to local school boards. I support letting local officials decide, in part because the Governor's 87-page guidebook skips over the most important job of schools: providing a quality education for students.
 
I am grateful that local districts are already surveying parents and working on plans for the upcoming school year, and during our conversations district officials have emphasized learning and safety as top concerns. Providing a quality education must go on. Despite the challenges ahead, there must be a real emphasis on the outcomes for our students. Our students do not have the luxury to waste a year and we cannot allow that to happen.
 
September will be here soon. Parents and students need to know that children will be put in a position to succeed and learn. 
Former Governor Thompson to Lead UW-System
In case you missed it, the University of Wisconsin-System Regents announced they unanimously selected former Governor and Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, Tommy Thompson, as their interim President.
 
Tommy Thompson is a Wisconsin legend. He will be an outstanding leader for UW-System. His energy, experience, and willingness to listen to everyone will help move the system forward.
 
Tommy led our state into prosperity. In these challenging times, we need a leader who can navigate the UW-System for the best outcomes for students, taxpayers, and our future. Tommy Thompson is the ideal choice to lead the system now.
 
I applaud the Regents for selecting a proven leader who deeply cares about Wisconsin and its future. Tommy Thompson will be a great interim UW-System President.
Prescription for Criminal Justice Reform
There is a great deal of uncertainty for inmates upon their release. Providing medications to inmates re-entering our communities is crucial to their health and stability. Typically, when inmates are released from a state prison facility, they are provided with two weeks of medication and a 30-day prescription for any current medications. 
 
Thanks to a law I authored with Representative Rob Brooks of Saukville, the Department of Corrections will now provide up to a six-week supply of initial medication and prescription to inmates upon their release. This change will ensure that individuals have medication available during the period of time necessary to consult with a health care provider to obtain a new supply.
 
Our state becomes safer when offenders are successfully released from prison and don’t recidivate. Reentry into society isn’t easy, and a lack of prescription medication for health issues can make it even harder for these individuals. By providing security and opportunity, it is our hope these individuals will become lawful taxpayers. 
COVID-19 Cases in Our Area
The table above contains data from June 24, 2020 from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services on coronavirus cases in our area.
COVID-19 Testing Available
Update on Local Safer at Home Orders
Several of our area communities have some restrictions in place. Here is a summary of where those orders stand.

Washington and Ozaukee Counties have lifted their lock down of long-term care facilities.

Suburban Milwaukee County: (Includes Bayside, Brown Deer, Fox Point, Glendale, River Hills, Whitefish Bay)
  • The area remains in Phase C with the following restrictions:
  • Gatherings limited to 50 people
  • Masks are required at all Milwaukee County facilities
  • Child Care to follow DCF guidelines
  • Retail occupancy limited to 50% of capacity
  • Restaurants and Bars occupancy limited to 75% of capacity
  • Gyms occupancy limited to 50% of capacity
  • Places of Worship Follow guidelines of faith-based leadership organization 
  • Phase C will last at least 14 days and the next stage will begin if gating measures (PPE, hospital capacity, testing, tracing, etc.) are met.
  • Phase C will be re-evaluated on June 26th.



  • "Moving Milwaukee Forward" mirrors Governor Evers’ "Safer at Home" order with no end date.
  • The city is currently in Phase 3.
  • Bars and restaurants may open at 25% of capacity.
  • Stores are allowed to be at 50% of capacity.
  • Click here for more information.

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.
Around the 8th...
Mequon-Thiensville Family Fun Before the 4th