Health Safety vs. The Economy
By Mike Marsch, WPT President
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What’s the correct answer to that question? Who knows, even the so-called experts can’t agree. In my discussions with members over the past few weeks, you have varying opinions also. The new reality or normal we are living through doesn’t have a model we could be following, so we are making one up as we go. That is why WPT is such a critical component of the current discussion.
No other organization in Wisconsin has more members with varying perspectives, but the one common goal we do have is survival. With thousands of business, home and farm members who are affected by this pandemic in many ways, we’re playing a key role in the discussions of how government reacts. We are also on the frontline lobbying lawmakers for the necessary financial resources businesses and farms need in order to survive. It truly doesn’t have to be a choice between financial death or Covid-19 death. Strong words yes, but true. Those of you who know me personally know I’m a fiscal conservative, but these are extraordinary times and if state government has determined the best way to heal our land is to shut us down, fine, but don’t ruin us financially by not providing help.
It’s important to stay safe and healthy. Whether government is over reaching and over regulating is a discussion for a day in our future when we are both physically and financially healthy, but in order to reach this day in our future, state government must provide the financial resources necessary to keep Wisconsin small businesses and farms alive. I can think of many ways’ government could have reacted differently and should have, but that’s not going to change our current situation.
By April 24
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Governor Evers will decide to open Wisconsin back up for business or to extend his "Safer At Home" order until May 11th, the date when the emergency declaration expires. Hopefully by the 24th we’ll see a significant downturn in Covid-19 cases, and we can begin the slow process of getting our lives back, but starting today our lawmakers will be discussing what changes Wisconsin’s government will make in how it operates and reacts to the pandemic now and in the future. We will need your continued support in order to be your voice in those discussions to help ensure it doesn’t plague our future.
If your membership is up for renewal, please renew! We can’t lead the way without your continued support. Our Member Reps will start contacting all 2nd Quarter members up for renewal by phone on Monday April 20
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. I realize these are tough times for every one of us, but in WPT’s 35-year history, I don’t remember a time when our lobbying work was more important to our future and livelihoods. We can’t be left behind or be left holding the bag. We need to make certain the welfare of small businesses and farms are considered as our state government begins to debate how to spend the 2 plus billion dollars in the weeks and months ahead on Covid-19 health safety and financial recovery programs.
We are better together, but that won’t happen if we let lawmakers divide up winners and losers. I thank you personally for your continued support and I do believe God is healing our land. This pandemic will come to an end.
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Latest CDC COVID-19 Guidance Creates Significant Dilemma for "Critical Infrastructure" Employers
By Attorney Bryan T. Symes, WELD RILEY, S.C.
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Interestingly, according to the CDC, “…critical infrastructure workers may be permitted to continue work following potential exposure to COVID-19, provided they remain asymptomatic and additional precautions are implemented to protect them and the community.” The CDC’s position is inconsistent with how many critical infrastructure employers, to date, have addressed “close contact” cases in the workplace [those coworkers who have been a household contact, or have had workplace close contact within six (6) feet, of an individual with confirmed or suspected COVID-19], notwithstanding the stress on operational continuity. In that regard, many critical infrastructure employers have been sending “close contact” coworkers home for the CDC’s recommended 14-day period [coinciding with the COVID-19 incubation period].
According to the CDC, the “additional precautions” critical infrastructure employers “should” take in connection with exposed but asymptomatic coworkers are [the below bullets are reproduced directly from the CDC’s website]:
* Pre-Screen: Employers should measure the employee’s temperature and assess symptoms prior to him/her starting work. Ideally, temperature checks should happen before the individual enters the facility.
* Regular Monitoring: As long as the employee doesn’t have a temperature or symptoms, he/she should self-monitor under the supervision of his/her employer’s occupational health program.
* Wear a Mask: The employee should wear a face mask at all times while in the workplace for 14 days after last exposure. Employers can issue facemasks or can approve employees’ supplied cloth face coverings in the event of shortages.
* Social Distance: The employee should maintain 6 feet and practice social distancing as work duties permit in the workplace.
* Disinfect and Clean Work Spaces: Clean and disinfect all areas such as offices, bathrooms, common areas, and shared electronic equipment routinely.
No doubt, this is welcome guidance for critical infrastructure employers. However, as briefly explained below, critical infrastructure employers who choose to implement the CDC’s interim guidance may inadvertently create legal exposure if a “close contact” coworker becomes infected and experiences health complications, including death.
Recently, the relatives of a former Chicagoland Walmart employee who died as a result of COVID-19 complications filed a wrongful death/negligence lawsuit against the retailer. The lawsuit alleges that Walmart was negligent in how it administered infection control and prevention measures in connection with symptomatic employees. This lawsuit is likely only the beginning—and places critical infrastructure employers on notice that internal COVID-19 infection control and prevention strategies will be scrutinized by workers. Against this backdrop, although the CDC has stated that critical infrastructure employers may permit exposed but asymptomatic employees to continue working conditioned upon the above “additional precautions,” it makes sense for these companies to strongly consider requiring self-isolation of all “close contact” coworkers for the 14-day period, to protect against lawsuits like the one filed against Walmart.
If a critical infrastructure employer directs one if its “close contact” coworkers not to report to work, it should also carefully consider whether the paid sick leave provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act may apply, and evaluate the potential impact on other workplace policies.
We will continue to monitor this and other COVID-19 developments closely in the coming days and weeks. Stay tuned!
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COVID-19: EMPLOYER RESOURCES AND INFORMATION AVAILABLE
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NEWS FROM THE CAPITOL AND AROUND WISCONSIN
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KAROFSKY UNSEATS KELLY ON WISCONSIN HIGH COURT
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In the big race for Wisconsin Supreme Court, it wasn't even close. Conservative Supreme Court Justice Daniel Kelly under-performed in last Tuesday's election, allowing liberal Dane County Judge Jill Karofsky to unseat an incumbent justice from the high court for only the second time in 50 years. And she unseated him in a very big way. With 100% of precincts reporting, Karofsky led Kelly 855,981 to 692,523, or 55% to 45%.
Hours before the votes were tabulated, Democrat National Committee Chairman Tom Perez and Democrat Party of Wisconsin Chairman Ben Winkler called last week's election "voter suppression on steroids" and threatened lawsuits to challenge the state's election results. As of Tuesday morning, there is no sign that liberal groups will file lawsuits to challenge the election results, despite widespread claims of voter suppression.
Kelly, appointed by former Governor Scott Walker in 2016 after the retirement of Justice David Prosser, under-performed in the conservative stronghold "WOW" counties of Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Washington, allowing for the liberal-backed Karofsky to claim victory and further tip the court's ideological scales. Conservatives will hold a 4-3 majority after Karofsky is sworn in. The next election will be in 2023.
Among others, Karofsky was funded by labor unions, teachers unions, immigration groups, and Planned Parenthood. Kelly was supported by the NRA, Americans for Prosperity, and Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce.
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who last week dropped out of the race for the Democrat presidential nomination, was defeated by former Vice President Joe Biden, who was recently accused of sexual assault by a former employee of the U.S. Senate. Senator Sanders, who decisively won Wisconsin's primary in 2016, lost this year's race 581,303 to 293,581, or 63% to 32%.
A victim's rights referendum known as Marsy's Law also passed 75% to 25%, amending the state constitution.
In other election-related news, several state lawmakers who were seeking other offices were successful in their respective bids, which will now lead to several special elections to fill those vacancies. Among those are State Representative Jocasta Zamarripa (D-Milwaukee), who will now serve as a Milwaukee alderwoman, and State Representative David Crowley (D-Milwaukee), who will now serve as the Milwaukee County Executive.
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ASSEMBLY CONVENES FIRST (HYBRID) VIRTUAL SESSION, SENATE TO MEET WEDNESDAY
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Lawmakers from the State Assembly met Tuesday afternoon in the first-ever virtual legislative session, or at least partial virtual session, to provide relief to those seeking unemployment, and to open up Wisconsin's coffers to hundreds of millions of federal aid dollars, as the state grapples with the fiscal fallout from government-mandated shutdowns.
Earlier in the day, Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke (R-Kaukauna) tweeted that about half of the State Assembly would attend the session in the chamber in the State Capitol as usual, while half would participate from home.
Among the provisions, the state would life the one week waiting period for those seeking unemployment. Workers who have already experienced a layoff would be eligible for any benefits going back to March 12th.
Local governments would also be given the flexibility to waive late fees and interest in property tax payments.
The legislation is also intended for Wisconsin to receive other aid, such as to expand Medicaid programs, and to keep down insurance costs. Under the bill, all insurance carriers in Wisconsin would need to cover all coronavirus testing costs for free. Public and private schools would also be allowed to suspend certain accountability measures.
The legislation makes no appropriations, and therefore is immune to any veto by the executive branch. More legislation is expected in the weeks ahead after Wisconsin receives its approximately $2.2 billion in dollars from the federal stimulus legislation. All projected revenue surpluses in Wisconsin are now expected to be deficits.
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At a glance, some large school referenda passed the test in last week's election.
Just to name a few:
Racine passed a $1.072 BILLION school referendum, Sauk Prairie passed a $64.98 million referendum, Milwaukee passed an $87 million referendum, Osceola passed a $10 million referendum, and the list goes on.
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WISCONSIN UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS
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The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has created a website for the public to show the statistics of unemployment claims in Wisconsin during the government's COVID-19 response.
Sunday, 8,084 (2020) vs. 674 (2019)
Monday, 16,287 (2020) vs. 1,045 (2019)
Tuesday 10,039 (2020) vs. 731 (2019)
Wednesday 9,587 (2020) vs. 607 (2019)
Thursday 9,716 (2020) vs. 705 (2019)
Friday 9,226 (2020) vs. 675 (2019)
Saturday 2,715 (2020) vs. 182 (2019)
Total- 65,657 claims, versus the same week last year, which totaled 4,619 claims.
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DWD ANNOUNCES DATES FOR EXPANDED UNEMPLOYMENT
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Starting next week, those on unemployment will be eligible for the expanded unemployment program from the federal government. Those on regular unemployment will be eligible for $600 per worker per week, retroactive to the first week in April. Individuals will not need to apply for the additional benefit. The benefit will begin being paid the week of April 26th.
There are several different benefits that individuals will be eligible for.
In addition to those on regular unemployment, individuals who are not usually eligible for unemployment insurance compensation will be eligible for up to 39 weeks of unemployment. Those people include self-employed, independent contractors, and workers with limited work history. That new program is called the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).
Additionally, 13 weeks of emergency benefits for those who remain unemployed after they have exhausted their regular UI benefits will also be offered.
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TRUMP ADMINISTRATION SET TO RELEASE FARMER ASSISTANCE
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The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is going to spend $15.5 billion to assist farmers in an initial phase of a relief package being unveiled soon, perhaps as early as this week.
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Reuters reporters with sources close to the package say direct payments to farmers and ranchers along with other initiatives, would become available to farmers sometime over summer.
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WEEKLY MEMBER POLL RESULTS
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After reading State Rep. Don Vruwink's article...
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BALANCED BUDGET SHOULD BE IN THE CONSTITUTION.
In times of crisis such as the current viral infection worldwide, we should still be vigilant, and increase payoff of govt. debt at an increasing rate during times of progress.
We can go from a surplus to a deficit over night.
State Rep Don "PORK" Vruwink should concentrate on state business and leave the US constitution alone
If the gov't would stay out of the citizens of this country's way, we would all help our neighbors, unfortunately the democrats have raised an entire 3 or 4 generations of citizens believing the gov't will give them free stuff everytime they cry like babies for it. I would never fall for Vruwinks's wolf in sheep's clothing article. All dems will pile on the pork in these types of situations, repubs always have to be the adults and made out to like the cruel rich people holding on to their money. YES, DEFINITELY WE NEED A BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT!
I agree with some things he said. But he did not mention what the Democrats in Washington as pet their projects had nothing to do with helping with the virus
Government by definition is not able to lift the economy. Only individual people with dreams, desires, and the wherewithal to implement the strategies are able to truly and positively affect our economy!
Withpout the government assistan e for both individual and business, many would not be able to participate in the biggest post crisis boom.
You can't have a balanced budget in times like this.Too bad we can't keep Pelosi's pork out of the bill though.That woman is nuts!
Made sense to me. Common sense
We would have had to cut spending to pay out $2,000,000,000,000.00 (trillion). Nothing wrong with that.
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GOP lawmakers requested that churches and temples should be allowed to hold services for Passover and Easter this week. Gov. Evers denied the request, citing public health concerns. Where do you stand?
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Is there a separation of Church & state? I am sure the churches can make adjustments for health concerns as well.
Some churches are holding outside services so people can remain in their cars; it is unfortunate the weather will not be cooperating.
God will understand why we can't be in church.
Many I talked to at elections yesterday are missing the opportunity to express their faith and worship during this week of Passion.
A church is not held by 4 walls. We have services over the internet. Drive thru communion and donation drop off at a local bank. We still love the Lord and will return to normal gathering in time.
If precautions are taken churches should be allowed to function as they see fit. Too much government interference.
Our church met outdoors before the safe at home order, we practiced social distancing and did a prayer walk around our community after our time of worship, it was great! We are learning how to worship online and teleconferencing as well. Satan isn't going to stop people from worshipping! Where there's a will, there's a way. Jesus defeated Satan on the cross, the victory is won! We are going to celebrate Easter no matter what. Kind of like how the Grinch Stole Christmas, inspite of the Grinch's attempts, the village people still were going to celebrate, as will our congregation, hopefully via a parking lot worship broadcasted on the vehicle radios.
Are you joking? All non-essential businesses are closed, but places of worship should be open? Absolutely not! Everyone needs to stay home or this will continue much longer than necessary. It'll be interesting to see the spike in cases following this absurd election. There should be zero exceptions.
The Safer at Home is working.
I do agree with Gov Evers for the first time
Our constitution allows each of us to make our own decisions. That is law and should be abide by.
no Easter services as it involves large amount of travelers and elderly all high risk
Better safe than sorry. I've enjoyed some great messages from Pastors I wouldn't normally listen to, plus my church is live on FB.
Funny how Evers can keep abortion clinics open for the baby killers,but not places of worship.
They've already taken away my ability to earn a living. It is a real kick in the gut to live in America and now be told that it is illegal for me to go to church. Especially on Easter Sunday. I could cry.
It all sounds good until your the one in the middle of an outbreak
If they go them let pay the potential consequences.
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Despite all of the changes, how will you vote in this year's spring election?
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This election should have been postponed a long time ago, not the day prior to the election. Governo Evers does not know what municipal clerks must do to prepare for elections.
I voted absentee, as am disabled. I think this should have been moved to June 9,, but let the people know weeks ahead instead of the day before.
What a complete screw job...the Gop will pay for this for a looong time!
I worked the polls, we did have a good turnout. No laws of voting were committed in our precinct. We had new voters show up at 7:30, they voted, said they had registered a month ago on line. Gov. Evers needs to be more vigilant to see that these staffing issues are addressed. THat is shameful.
Yes election should have been delayed. I have an autoimmune concern so I would not feel safe going to public polls. We did finally received our absentee ballot and returned it in time.
I voted absentee. I resent the Presidents comments about cheating on absentee ballots especially since he voted Absentee.
time to BAN Robo calls by political parties ETC. The Republican partyRobo called me MANY times including Sunday
Spent an hour in line at "curbside" voting in Beloit. It is slow but working
Because of the consjtant changes being implemented so we were following New York and California (we do have a livberal democrat governor who is only following his party's marching orders) we requested absentee ballots 3 weeks ago, only received them this past Saturday, they were back in the mailbox Monday morning...Evers and the repbulican leadership better get working on the next 2 elections for this year NOW! This past few weeks was a disaster on both sides parts, very poor, ineffective leadership in our state right now
Of course the election should have been moved. Shame on the GOP for putting voters at risk by overturning Evers order. Common sense should prevail; however, that's not the case in Wisconsin.
I just voted and they did a great job of having the polling done with health concerns accounted for.
Why not extend the absentee balloting?
I do not know what the law is changing election date. I did feel safe going to the polls. I got a absentee ballot
voted absentee two weeks ago already,plan ahead people!
local clerk did not honor the state absentee request to send ballot therefore must vote in person
Yes, although I don't agree with the broad scope of Governor Evers safer at home policy. Voting should've been included. Lawmakers failed us!
Whatever a person is most comfortable with. I am happy the election will go on as scheduled
We voted absetee and would have been ticked off if Evers would have cancelled our vote.
No, do not postpone. Yes, feel safe at the polls.
My wife is a town clerk. Having this election at this time has put great unnecessary stress on most if not all clerks in the state. She lost all but one of her poll workers because they didn’t want to be at risk of being exposed to Covid. 19. Now I am taking off work to help her at the election so she has enough help.
Horrible call from the senate
To me its idiotic to hold the elections and put everyone at risk. Im a primary care provider and I cant believe how politics trump science and common sense. Good grief!
Voted absentee weeks ago when the government-mandated assault on the constitution and subsequent hysteria began.
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LRB-5972
Memo
Voter ID (Hintz, Gordon) Suspending voter identification requirements; the deadline for electronic voter registration; voting by mail with an absentee ballot; and making an appropriation. Deadline: Friday, April 10, 5 pm
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