Darling Statement on Passage of COVID Relief Bill
Madison – On Tuesday, the Wisconsin State Senate approved legislation to help the state battle the COVID-19 pandemic. State Senator Alberta Darling released the following statement in support of the legislation.
“This is another step to help Wisconsin through the pandemic. Our bill protects patients from unexpected medical bills and businesses from frivolous lawsuits. It also helps families pay their bills by forcing the Department of Workforce Development to fully fix the unemployment insurance backlog.
The pandemic is taking an emotional toll on everyone. This bill helps reunite families separated by the pandemic by allowing nursing home residents to pick one essential visitor. Allowing seniors to stay connected with loved ones will give people hope.
I’m happy the bill received strong bipartisan support. I urge the State Assembly to quickly take up this bill and pass it on to Governor Evers.”
The COVID-19 Relief Bill will:
- Cover COVID-19 vaccinations and testing
- Protect patients from out-of-network charges for COVID-19 care
- Provides $100 million for the state’s coronavirus response
- Allow nursing home residents to have an essential visitor
- Expand the number of available healthcare workers in the state by allowing qualified out-of-state health care providers to practice in Wisconsin and allow college students to volunteer for credit
- Require virtual instruction reports from schools
- Protect businesses from frivolous COVID-19 related lawsuits
- Require the state to end the unemployment backlog and aid employers in paying unemployment benefits.
Senator Darling represents portions of Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha Counties.
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