NOVEMBER 23, 2020
GOV. EVERS' COVID-19 RESPONSE LEGISLATION
WITH FEDERAL FUNDING SET TO EXPIRE ON 12/30, EVERS' $541 MILLION COVID SPENDING PLAN HAS SOME GOOD AND BAD
Governor Evers last week unveiled a $541 million spending plan, which would maintain the state's current pandemic response activities through April 1, 2021. The State of Wisconsin's COVID response efforts have been, to date, funded nearly 100% by the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds.

On October 22, 2020, the Legislative Fiscal Bureau sent a memo to the State Legislature, outlining the allocation of monies under the CARES Act. You may view that memo here. LFB also issued a summary of the provisions in Evers' pandemic response bill, LRB-6522/1.


Here are a few of the notable items from the legislation that WPT SUPPORTS:

  • Allow for rehiring of annuitants/retirees in critical positions. WPT agrees that statutory relief is necessary to support COVID-19 response efforts of state and local governments by ensuring that experienced staff can be quickly rehired and deployed to in-need areas.
  • Allow notaries to perform online notarization of estate planning documents (such as wills and trusts) through the end of 2021. We believe that this would allow Wisconsinites the ease of planning their estates remotely.
  • Waive in-person appearance requirements through the end of 2021. Often time individuals are required to appear in-person, disallowing even digital appearances. This would extend through 2021 the legislation from the spring that allowed for flexibility for people to appear remotely where they would otherwise be required to appear in person.
  • Allow the Department of Revenue, as well as local governments, the authority to waive interest, penalties and payments on governmental loans and debt through the end of 2021. This will help provide a financial option to taxpayers who are facing economic hardship or uncertainty.
  • Create a new annual appropriation to provide struggling small businesses with $75,000,000 in grants, providing some short term relief from the state.
  • Authorize extension of prescriptions by pharmacists, for up to a 30-day supply, without obtaining an extension of the prescription order from the healthcare professional who wrote the prescription. This would only apply if the prescriber has no explicitly prohibited extensions of the prescription, and if the medicine is not a controlled substance.
  • Allow the DOA Secretary to transfer any amount from the unencumbered balance of any appropriation of an executive branch agency to the Department of Workforce Development's unemployment interest and penalty PR continuing appropriation account. This would allow for unemployment payments during the pandemic to be paid through that fund, rather than charging an employer as normally provided under statute.
  • Extend Work-Share changes that were made in initial COVID-19 response bill in May, allowing for more employers to take advantage of the program.

Below are some of the provisions that WPT OPPOSES:

  • Authorize the Department of Health Services to issue orders prohibiting the commencement of any action for eviction or foreclosures, and providing that the orders could be applicable statewide of may be geographically limited.
  • Prohibit the Department of Public Instruction from publishing school and school district accountability reports in the 2021-2022 school year.
  • Specify that per pupil education assessments not be required in the current school year.
  • Specify that pupil performance on assessments in the current school year could not be considered for the evaluation of teachers and principals.
  • Extend the waiver of the waiting week requirement for Unemployment Insurance benefits.
  • Extend the waiver of work search requirements for Unemployment Insurance benefits.
  • Provide that worker's compensation benefits cover COVID-19

There are other provisions in the legislation that WPT will continue to analyze with our legal team and other partners, including; tens of millions of dollars for the state to perform contract tracing; no cost sharing for COVID-19 testing, treatment and vaccinations; tele-health coverage parity; out-of-network charges and payments during pandemic; prescription drug limits; liability insurance for physicians and nurse anesthetists; concurrent SSDI and unemployment payments; and more.

WPT was also disappointed that Governor Evers included additional liabilities for physicians, but did not include liability safe harbor for small businesses from frivolous lawsuits. We were also surprised to see that this very costly proposal did not include any way to address the massive unemployment insurance backlog, which has had, at times, over 100,000 residents waiting since April.

TO SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK, PLEASE TAKE OUR WEEKLY MEMBER POLL.
WEEKLY MEMBER POLL
By clicking the link, you acknowledge that it is the policy of WPT to publish all comments that are submitted by members each week, which often include broad differences of opinion. WPT does not take responsibility for the individual views and opinions expressed herein. It is the right of WPT to remove responses that that the organization deems inappropriate.
NEWS FROM THE CAPITOL AND AROUND WISCONSIN
DESPITE MULTIPLE LAWSUITS, SUPREME COURT RULING FROM MAY, EVERS DECLARES NEW PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY, ISSUES MASK MANDATE INTO 2021
Even as the Wisconsin Supreme Court heard arguments last week regarding Governor Evers' ability to repeatedly issue public health emergency declarations despite the law saying otherwise, and despite a Supreme Court ruling from May that said Evers must clear regulations such as mask mandates through the legislature -- Governor Tony Evers last week declared a new public health emergency, and issued a mask mandate that will last into the New Year.

"Wisconsin hospitals are overwhelmed and facing staffing shortages," said Gov. Evers. "We continue to see record-setting days of COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin. We need everyone to stay home and wear a mask if you have to go out. We need your help to stop the spread of this virus, and we all have to do this together."

State Representative Cody Horlacher (R-Mukwanago) called the move unconstitutional, and called on the legislature to convene to strike down the Governor's "unconstitutional" executive order.

"I am outraged that Gov. Evers has extended his unconstitutional order once again. I wish I could say that I am surprised, but I am not."

The Wisconsin Supreme Court is expected to rule on whether the state's governor may repeatedly declare public health emergencies in the state for the same crisis.
EVERS ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL $70 MILLION IN CARES ACT FOR 'WE'RE ALL IN' SMALL BIZ GRANTS
Governor Tony Evers last week announced an additional $70 million in the second round of "We're All In' grants, bringing the second round total to $120 million to be made available to Wisconsin's small businesses thanks to the federal CARES Act funds allocated to the state. The total investments in the program is now $185 million.

"There's no business that hasn't been affected by this pandemic, and we know folks across our state need our support now more than ever," Evers said. "As we head into the winter months, we know we have to do everything we can to make sure our businesses have the resources they need as we continue fighting this virus."

The application for the grants closed on Monday, Nov. 2. Priority will be given to businesses that Evers' office deems "hardest hit" by the pandemic.

WEDC, under the "We're All In" banner, encouraged Wisconsinites to support small businesses by shopping local this holiday season.

"The holiday shopping season is a great time to remember how important our local businesses are, whether it's that special bakery, gift shop or restaurant, and what they mean to our communities," Secretary of WEDC said. "While the COVID-19 pandemic may be changing the way we shop this year, our local stores have found creative ways to connect with customers."
EVERS, LEGISLATIVE LEADERS MEET TO DISCUSS STATE PANDEMIC RESPONSE
Governor Tony Evers met with Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and new Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu last week to discuss the state's response to the coronavirus.

Sources from both sides called the meeting productive, and leaders on all sides were cordial in their assessments of how the meeting transpired.

"I want to thank Governor Evers and Senate Majority Leader LeMahieu for talking today. It was a productive discussion and as expected, there were issues we agreed on and some that we didn't. Regardless, I see today's conversation as a positive step forward to finding common ground in developing a more unified state response to the coronavirus."

A spokesperson for the Governor said Evers appreciated the meeting with legislative leaders, and said there was an "urgent need" for them to work together. He also said he would like to see the Legislature act quickly to pass legislation to address the pandemic.
DATCP: BUY LOCAL EVERGREENS TO AVOID INVASIVE PLANT PESTS IN YOUR HOLIDAY DECORATIONS
With the winter holidays approaching, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is reminding consumers to check their holiday evergreen decoration for possible invasive plant pests before buying them. While many species are not established in Wisconsin's landscape, in prior years DATCP has detected invasive insects on products from other states.

Last year, for example, an invasive pest called elongate hemlock scale (EHS) was found on Fraser and balsam fir wreaths, trees, baskets, and boughs from eastern states. EHS is a threat to Wisconsin's Christmas trees, native hemlock and balsam fir forests, and decorative evergreens.

You can identify EHS by looking for yellow or brown needles and small brown, oblong spots on the underside of the needles. If you suspect EHS on fir wreaths or Christmas trees, please report it to DATCP's pest hotline at (866) 440-7523, and if possible, email a clear, close-up picture to datcppesthotline@wi.gov.
DEPT. OF REVENUE'S UNCLAIMED PROPERTY AUCTION STILL RUNNING UNTIL 11/30
The Wisconsin Department of Revenue's Unclaimed Property Section is still holding on online auction that will end November 30, 2020. Auction items include coins, money, stamps, jewelry, and "other treasures sure to delight curiosities," according to DOR.

Wisconsin Surplus Online Auction is the auction host. Auction items are available for in-person and online viewing on the auction site wisconsinsurplus.com.

Visit DOR's Unclaimed Property page for more information about the program and search the unclaimed property database to see if you or someone you know has unclaimed property in Wisconsin.
WEEKLY INITIAL UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS: WEEK 45
Weekly Unemployment Insurance Claims:

Sunday, 2,214 (2020) vs. 795 (2019)
Monday, 4,783 (2020) vs. 1,482 (2019)
Tuesday 3,230 (2020) vs. 1,194 (2019)
Wednesday 2,530 (2020) vs.1,101 (2019)
Thursday 2,473 (2020) vs. 1,022 (2019)
Friday 2,473 (2020) vs. 1,068 (2019)
Saturday 797 (2020) vs. 289 (2019)

Up-to-date information can be viewed by clicking here.
SUBSCRIBE
WEEKLY POLL RESULTS
Are you generally supportive of DPI's request for $1.6 billion in additional funding for K-12 schools in Wisconsin?
You did not give complete information. What is the money for?

throwing more money at declining enrollment doesn't add up...does it?

We spend plenty on education in this state already

They need to be "educated"

Not sure what they need money for since many schools are closed and on virtual learning. I think the schools are greedy to be asking for money in this pandemic and economic challenge

More money will not improve public schools!

let's go back to the subjects that should be taught in school and drop all the feel good social junk

There was an increase...no more.

more families are looking into alternatives such as home Schooling and Charter Schools which provide better education alternatives. nothing states as to how they would improve.

wrong time and place, no more $$ right now.

kids should be IN school

Some how we have to get better controls on school spending, I feel a ton of wasted dollars and not a lot of education of the our constitution only liberal ideasst

I used to work for the public schools. I cannot believe the rampant waste. I saw districts throw away tens, hundreds of thousands of dollars *every single year* on frivolous junk. I feel like the budgeting and expenditure problems in schools should be more of a concern than getting more bucks.

They need to work on a budget just like us

the public school system is never satisfied regardless how much money we give them

less kids in school, understand teachers are still teaching but facilities costs should be down. they shouldn't need any more money - families are incurring huge expenses having to home school kids

I work in the school system, the DPI needs restructuring, the future is virtual learning, less admin is needed more on education, the waste in spending in government brick and mortar mentality is out of control time to look at the future

With less students and face to face time there should be absolutely NO need for a raise in the funding.

Total joke. Sleepy Evers will probably give it to them. Seems these days it's as easy as just printing more!

the educators need to start to rethink thier approch, we have added more money than most any other develped country and are getting lower results. No more money, and reavaluate how we are teaching.

No Need -- what so ever!!
Governor Evers says no Christmas Tree in the Capitol for the holidays. Good move? Bad move?
What does an outdoor Christmas tree have to do with covid?

I agree that we all need Hope, but what is wrong with having a Christmas tree at Christmas time. Its a pretty decoration and really doesn't force anyones religion on anyone, but I suppose it will keep our state from getting sued by someone who has nothing better to do.

my understanding is wonderful building has been locked up by covid so who would see it anyway

I totally am so done with Evers as governor, can't wait until he is gone. He has proved that he is NOT cut out to be a governor.

Scrooge live sin Maple Bluff I heard.

The brightest time of the year for many got dull

If the Capitol is not open there is no need for a tree

Just showing his non christian values.i would think it would brighten the attitude of those working at the capital

nobody is allowed in, but he is still making a statement against Christmas

If no one can come see it, why have it.

closed, why put up a tree??

Why don't he just cancel Christmas

Shame on him. Need a tree in the capital it's Christmas

Bad decision, what does not having a Christmas Tree have to do with Covid 19??? This is just another attempt to silence our Christian beliefs!

say hope is the theme, then takes away a huge symbol of hope. good job

Why not have the tree? How does this help? What does this prove?

If I was one of his many (too many) staffers, I would advise him to move forward with the tree, do a live stream of the decorating and lighting, and still try to do something online or virtually. Everything else has gone virtual and he and his people seem to like it that way. Why not have a Zoom tree lighting? Just knowing it's there makes things seem a little more normal.

the capital is shut down due to pandemic why waste the resources

The Christmas tree is a symbol of hope and new beginnings. Removing this from the Capitol building is awful.

Bad decision.

The Capitol building is closed(as the legislators who haven't earned their paychecks for 6+ monthes) so why bother!so whats the sense
The Legislative Audit Bureau has found that the state's recycling programs are not complying with state statute. Do you recycle?
Yes

Recycling is very important. our state should be more committed to it and we need to stop using so much plastic.

not directly, nothing is free

We used to until our town decided we needed curbside pick up and bills us on our property taxes. We now are not required by the vendor who picks up our garbage to recycle, so why bother, unfortuantely they must put it all in the landfill. We need to move away from plastics.

Yes

No, it is part of our collection on a biweekly basis

IT'S PART OF OUR GARBADGE,PICK UP FEE.

no, I wish #5 plastic could be recycled

yes we do.

I try to recycle everything. We do have to pay extra, but it's worth it. My garbage can is bigger than my recycling can...I wish it were reversed.

no

Yes i do do but do not have a problem to pay

I think our recycling stuff goes right into a hole in the ground, to be honest. But I'm not certain about that...

Yes, for somelarge items & appliances

I separate everything and expect it to be recycles

I do although its probably a waste of time

Some items carry a cost.

At home no. At my business alot more

yes, it's bilt in the property taxes
For fun: If you had to pick *one* Thanksgiving food or dish to crown as the most delicious, which would it be? The turkey? Potatoes? Stuffing? Pie? What kind? Which is your least favorite Thanksgiving food? Is there one person who can make Thanksgiving dinner better than anybody else? Mom? Grandma? Share your favorite Thanksgiving dishes and recipes here!
Pumpkin pie with whipped topping!

Any food made with love should be appreciated. Remember to say thank you to your cook and help with the clean up. Maybe you will be invited again.

over the years Mom's turkey and stuffing are hard to beat.

No Thanksgiving this year as we are being told to stay home or else. We may as well get used to it, there will be 4 years of lock downs and more gov't control on our lives as Biden and the liberals move us to socialism/communist country. He is already calling for college student loans to be forgiven, medicare for all including illegals....does not sound like the United States of the last 4 years, not much in the mood for thanksgiving right now, we are heading into a dark, cold winter.

Stuffing

Stuffing with gravy.

I like cranberry raspberry jello salad with real chopped raw berries, crushed pineapple, chopped pecans, miniature marshmallows, and REAL whipped cream

Carrot hello, My son & wife make it...its a traditon passed on from his wife's grandmother.

I'd be fine with just turkey and stuffing!

Turkey and gravy, but second would be my son's Chocolate Pecan Pie

gotta be the stuffing!

Turkey

stuffing

Pie: Blueberry cream cheese, banana cream cheese, apple, pumpkin, Etc. ...Least favorite = cranberry things

Mashed potatoes and gravy is my favorite

Nothing stands out, but everything working together makes it the best holiday meal.

Lefse

I love stuffing!!!

Mashed potatoes with real Wisconsin butter and sweet cream. My mother in law made the best pumpkin cheesecake and lemon meringue pie, which has been missed for many years. It made Thanksgiving and 4 birthdays very special.

Pie, with ice cream.

Pecan pie

Sweet Potatoes
LEGISLATION
SIGNED INTO LAW
No bills to report.
VETOED
No bills to report.
CIRCULATED BILLS
No bills to report.
CONTACT YOUR LAWMAKERS
CONNECT WITH WPT!
MEMBER BENEFITS
  • Association Health Insurance
  • Voluntary Employee Benefits
  • Legal Services
  • Property Tax Assessment Services
  • Accounting Services

Please note: Members wishing to take advantage of benefits must be referred by WPT. Click below to learn more and begin the process today.
MEMBER SATISFACTION