Dear Friends,

I am still trying to get answers from Governor Evers on when you can expect to be vaccinated against COVID-19. For some reason, his administration has not released an up to date plan to the public and ignored this crucial issue during his State of the State address this week.

This week, I sent another letter with a list of questions to the Secretary of Health Services. You can read more about it below. While I want to make sure vaccines are available for any Wisconsin resident who wants one, I do not support mandating vaccines. 

In case you missed it, our state's tax burden is at its lowest point in 50 years according to the non-partisan Wisconsin Policy Forum. Just ten years ago, our state was ranked in the top ten highest! Since then, we've cut taxes by $13 billion and prevented over $1 billion in tax hikes from Governor Evers' last budget proposal. Lowering our tax burden is making our state more competitive and is bringing more family-supporting jobs to our state. I'm proud of what we have done and look forward to continuing to cut taxes and reform government.

Please be careful and continue to follow CDC guidelines, wear a mask, social distance, and wash your hands. It’s important to avoid lockdowns that create their own health crises in delayed medical care, mental health stresses, and the loss of businesses and jobs.

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!
Darling Demands Clarity on Evers Administration’s Vaccine Rollout
With news of the variant strain of COVID-19 arriving in Wisconsin, I am once again asking for an efficient and transparent vaccine plan from Governor Tony Evers’ administration.

Last week, I sent a list of questions to Governor Evers’ administration demanding answers about their vaccine plan. Unfortunately, the answers provided by his administration lacked details, while some of the questions were unanswered altogether. 

It is heartbreaking to speak to elderly and vulnerable constituents and not be able to tell them when they can expect to receive this lifesaving vaccine. You deserve to know, and I will continue to push for answers.
Stay Up to Date on Local Vaccine Information
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COVID Relief Bill Passed

On Tuesday, the Wisconsin State Senate approved legislation to help the state battle the COVID-19 pandemic. This is another step to help Wisconsin through the pandemic. 
 
I want to stress that the legislation does not mandate vaccines. 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 an 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.
State of the State Address
Also on Tuesday, Governor Tony Evers delivered his 2021 State of the State Address. I was extremely disappointed with the Governor's tone and lack of leadership.
 
Governor Evers blew his chance to tell Wisconsin residents when they can expect to be vaccinated. Once again, he refused to lead. 
 
The people of Wisconsin deserve to know. Governor Evers is more interested in taking shots at Republicans than giving shots to the people of the state. That’s extremely disappointing. 
 
The governor finally admitted he failed the people of the state who were seeking the unemployment benefits they are owed. It’s sad to see him shift blame when his own agency wouldn’t even answer the phone when desperate workers called. Governor Evers seems ready to create another disaster with his failed vaccine rollout.
 
Kids need to be back in school. Governor Evers ignored that crisis as well. Money won’t fix the achievement gap that grew under his leadership at the Department of Public Instruction if children aren’t in schools.
 
I am glad the governor highlighted our work on the state budget. We balanced the budget, funded priorities like education, and transportation. I’m glad he signed the budget even when every single Democratic lawmaker voted against it. 
 
The last budget showed we can work together. Unfortunately, the governor doesn’t seem interested anymore.
Nominate a Superstar!
Celebrate School Choice Week by nominating a talented student for a virtual talent show!

Students can participate in music, art, design, athletics, and science.

Click on the picture for more information.
Please Donate Blood, Plasma
Our hospitals are being overwhelmed by the pandemic. One way you can help is by donating blood. If you have recovered from COVID-19, please consider donating your plasma.

You can find out where to donate here and here.
Stop the COVID Spread
We are still seeing new cases, and that is a major concern, especially for our front-line health care workers and hospitals. It’s more important than ever that we do what we can to stop the spread of COVID-19.

It is vital to keep the stress off our health care system and businesses so we can get through this pandemic as quick and as safely as possible.

Click on the video above to see how you can keep you and your loved ones safe from COVID-19.
COVID-19 Cases in Our Area
The table above contains data reported on January 13, 2021 from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services on coronavirus cases in our area.
Emergency Room Visits with COVID Symptoms
COVID-19 Testing Available
Around the 8th...
The Thiensville Fire Department is looking to hire firefighters. Click on the picture for more information.