(MADISON, WI)  The Wisconsin Paper Council and Converting industries have joined forces to promote and emphasize the unique strengths and importance of Wisconsin’s pulp, paper and converting production necessary to meet COVID-19 challenges. Paper and forestry products are essential for everyday life and are made from renewable and sustainable resources. Wisconsin leads the nation in paper product production. Papermakers manufacture hundreds of specialty paper products that are used for personal hygiene, medical protective equipment and supplies, food packaging and processing, pressure sensitive liners, industrial and technical papers, high-tech manufacturing, clothing and communications, just to name a few. The state’s converting industry

[Madison, Wisc…] The John K. MacIver Institute asked Governor Tony Evers Friday to share key information and data that he has apparently used in his decision-making process to issue the shelter-in-place order, Safer at Home. The Evers Administration has not released information on the number of individuals who have tested positive for Covid-19 and require hospitalization. To date, the Evers Administration has only released a regular update on the number of individuals tested and the number of individuals who have passed away. The Evers Administration has also failed to release publicly the name of specific model or models they used to

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today launched an initiative designed to get more personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gowns, gloves and masks, to those working on the frontlines of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “It is absolutely imperative that our healthcare workers and first responders have the equipment they need to stay safe and healthy as they care for our communities. As we face a global shortage of PPE, and are competing with other states to acquire limited resources, I am calling on companies, schools, and other organizations that may have unused protective equipment sitting in their facilities to make

MILWAUKEE — Marquette Law School Poll Director Charles Franklin will release results of a new statewide poll on Wednesday, April 1, at 12:15 p.m., via posting of a news release and poll data, including toplines and slides, on the Marquette Law Poll website. Results and commentary will be available on Twitter via the @MULawPoll account beginning at the time of release, and a video discussion between Franklin and Mike Gousha about the top headlines of the poll also will be posted Wednesday. An advisory detailing media availability will be released at a later date. As Wisconsin and the nation confront the coronavirus epidemic,

MADISON – The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) today released the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) preliminary employment estimates for the month of February 2020. The data shows that Wisconsin added 5,100 total non-farm and 3,500 private-sector jobs in the month of February. Wisconsin’s labor force participation rate in February was 66.9 percent, and the state’s unemployment rate was 3.5 percent. Place of Residence Data: Wisconsin’s labor force participation rate in February was 66.9 percent, 3.5 percentage points higher than the national rate of 63.4 percent. Wisconsin’s unemployment rate in February was 3.5 percent, equal to the national rate.

Madison…Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) released the following statement after Senator Fred Risser announced his retirement from the Wisconsin State Legislature. Sen. Risser is the longest serving legislator in Wisconsin history and the longest serving state legislator in U.S. history. “Senator Risser is a legislative icon. He devoted his life to serving his constituents in the legislative branch. During his 64 years in the Legislature, he has inspired generations of current and future lawmakers and undoubtedly, made a lasting impact on our state. “I want to wish Senator Risser and his family the very best and thank him for his decades

The Wisconsin Primary Health Care Association thanks the Wisconsin Congressional delegation in their bipartisan support in passing the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The Act not only provides much needed relief for families and businesses impacted by the coronavirus crisis, but also provides crucial support for protecting the nation’s health system and providers and extending their capacity to serve residents. Support specifically for Health Centers includes:   $1.32 billion in Emergency Funding for Health Centers for the detection, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19. The funding will also support Health Centers in maintaining capacity and staffing level

APPLETON – Senate President Roger Roth (R–Appleton) issued the following statement regarding the announcement that Senator Fred Risser will not seek re-election. “As we all know, Fred is the longest serving state or national legislator in the history of our country. He has held leadership roles in both the majority and minority – a witness for six decades to the turning tides of government. “His wisdom, and soft-spoken assertiveness will be greatly missed on the Senate floor. Personally, as Senate President, I will miss his words of affirmation at the conclusion of many a session day. “Fred is the fourth