Dear Friends,

The COVID-19 outbreak is leading to big changes in all of our lives. In the past week, we’ve experienced unprecedented changes across our state, all done to try and protect vulnerable Wisconsinites. There are a lot of important measures to remember during this crisis.

In this week's E-update, I gathered many useful links for you to stay on top of up-to-date information, useful websites for parents and kids, and ways you can help. Please take a moment to review these links. They will also be available on my website .

Everyone needs to do their part to make sure we get through this as quickly as possible. Our local businesses, economy, and more importantly many lives depend on us to make smart and selfless decisions. Make sure you follow the CDC guidelines of good hygiene to help avoid getting the virus.

I'm thankful we were able to expand access to Telehealth before the pandemic. I'm grateful that Governor Evers is using the tools in the bill to make sure Wisconsinites stay safe.

I'd like to thank all of the doctors, nurses, and health care professionals that are on the frontlines of this battle. I know we will get through this. Take care of yourself and each other.

Also, don't forget about all of our great local businesses. You can find ways to support them including ordering food for delivery or pickup. There is a link to those great restaurants below.

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!
Staying Up-to-Date on Coronavirus
Wisconsin is now under a public health emergency to deal with the virus. That designation will help make our state eligible for federal funding to combat the Coronavirus.

I will continue to work on smart solutions to help people get the care they need such as telehealth, direct primary care, and other innovations.

Click on the picture above to get the most recent updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC also has recommendations to help prepare your household for the coronavirus.

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.
Help for Businesses
Emergency declarations are forcing many small businesses to close. The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering guidance and loan information. Click on the picture for more.

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.
If You Need Food
Many schools and food banks are available if you need meals.

If you or someone you know needs food dial 2-1-1.

The Hunger Task Force also provides meals and help for low-income seniors.

Many schools are continuing to provide meals for students. Click on your school district for more information. Please contact your district directly for more information if they are not listed below.





Help for Parents and Students
Do you or anyone you know need internet access? The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has resources to help people find broadband access at a free or reduced rate during this crisis.

Find out more by clicking the picture.
Bored kids? Click on the picture to visit more than forty websites that offer virtual tours and experiences of everything from National Parks, to the White House, to the a tour of Laura Ingalls Wilder's home in Pepin.

Click on the picture to see what's available.
March is Women's History Month. The Wisconsin Historical Society is telling the amazing stories of women who helped shape our great state.

Click on their logo to read and learn about these incredible ladies and their contributions to Wisconsin.
The Milwaukee County Zoo has several games and fun activities on their website.

Click the picture to find out more.
Help Stop COVID-19
Voting Information
On Tuesday, April 7th, Wisconsin will hold the 2020 Spring Election and Presidential Preference vote. Registered voters can request an absentee ballot.

Please click on the picture to request a ballot and find more information about the upcoming election.
Changes to State Government Services and Executive Orders
The Coronavirus is affecting many of state agencies on how they provide services to taxpayers.

(DMV) will close their facilities on Friday, March 20th for cleaning. They will reopen on Monday, March 23rd with only limited services.

Only new driver licenses and identification cards services will be available on location. All other services are available online. Also, anyone needing a renewal of their drivers license will have a 60-day extension.

For an up-to-date listing of changes for state services, please click not the picture above.

So far, Governor Evers has issued several executive orders in an attempt to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. You can find a list of them here.
How to Help
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.
The Hunger Task Force is looking for volunteers to help get food to low-income seniors in our area. They need to provide 10,000 boxes a month to meet the need. Click on the picture for more information and to fill out an application to help.
Many restaurants are still delivering and providing take out. The Wisconsin Restaurant Association maintains a statewide list of where you can still order takeout from great restaurants.

Click open the picture to find a location near you.
You can still support small business owners purchasing from by shopping from their website or by buying a gift card to use later.

Many local businesses rely on positive online reviews. Giving your favorite shops an encouraging rating can help drive more customers to their websites and help them through this difficult time.