Dear Friends,

Thanks to a lot of prodding, our state's vaccination rate is improving. Now the Wisconsin Department of Health Services has a dashboard to track the progress of vaccinations in the state. While we still don't have a plan from the Governor on when people can expect to be vaccinated, this is a step in the right direction. Keep reading below for more vaccine information.

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!

Wisconsin's landmark reform, Act 10, is now ten years old.

In 2011, Wisconsin was at a crossroads. Mismanagement from Governor Doyle and Democrats left the state with a huge structural deficit because of tax hikes, increased spending, and raids on the Injured Patients Compensation Fund and Transportation Fund.

Instead of raising taxes and making our economy worse, Republicans rolled up our sleeves and reformed state government, and protected taxpayers. We passed Wisconsin's landmark budget reform, Act 10. According to research from the MacIver Institute, taxpayers saved nearly $14 billion thanks to Act 10!

Despite the claims of doom and gloom from protesters, Wisconsin is in great shape economically. Not only did Act 10 save money, but it also saved thousands of jobs. There were no mass layoffs, state attractions remained opened, and bills were paid on time. Act 10 worked; and it's still working to save you money.

On Tuesday, Senator Roger Roth and I chaired a joint informational hearing with the Senate Education Committee and the Senate Committee on Universities and Technical Colleges.

Click here for a PowerPoint presentation on demographics from Carleton College Economics Professor Nathan Grawe.

We had a fascinating discussion about how demographics are shaping and affecting the educational system in Wisconsin. This information will be extremely helpful as we look for ways to make to improve educational opportunities for every student in the state.

On Thursday, the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety met in the State Capitol.

We heard from several people seeking appointments to state boards and bills intended to protect the elderly and merit pay raises for public defenders.

On Friday, the Wisconsin State Senate gave final approval to an important COVID-19 relief bill. Unfortunately, Governor Evers immediately vetoed the bill and put millions of dollars in jeopardy. His veto means taxpayers are on the hook for $1.3 million every week federal unemployment relief money.

This bill would have helped our state move out of the shadow of COVID-19. It protected jobs, made sure those on unemployment get the benefits they are owed, and provided needed reforms to our healthcare system in their fight against COVID-19.

The COVID Relief Bill would have:

One way you can help is by donating blood. If you have recovered from COVID-19, please especially consider donating your plasma.

You can find out where to donate here and here.

The table above contains data reported on February 4 2021 from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services on coronavirus cases in our area.

Source: CDC COVID Data Tracker

You can sign up for emails to stay updated on when you can be vaccinated by visiting our county health department websites. Click on your county's health department for more information.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services also recommends that you contact your healthcare provider to sign up to be vaccinated. You can also register with Meijer Pharmacy and they will notify you when the vaccine is available.

Students are now meeting four days per week of in-person learning. Wednesdays are held virtually.

In-person 5 days a week baseline.

Hybrid model

All of its schools are in-person, five days a week.

Schools are meeting virtually.

All schools are in-person, five days a week.

All schools are in-person.

Its K4, K5, and first-grade students are in-person four days a week. Students in grades 2-8 are in a hybrid model in which students attend school in-person two days a week and virtually three days a week.

Grades 4K and 5K are in person, five days a week.

North Middle School and Menomonee Falls High School are in-person five days a week.

All schools are in-person.

All schools are virtual

Students are in-person four days a week and virtual on Wednesdays.

The pre-K through 12 campus offers in-person learning. University School of Milwaukee students and employees need negative COVID-19 tests before they can return,

All of its schools are hybrid

The Germantown Police Department's K9 unit is looking for your help. Currently, the department has two K9 officers, Hatto and Arek.

Click on the picture to find out more on how Hatto and Arek are serving the Germantown community and how you can help them continue to serve.

The Thiensville Fire Department is looking to hire firefighters. Click on the picture for more information.