Madison –Representative Barbara Dittrich (R-Oconomowoc) took part, in-person, in the Assembly Extraordinary session in Madison on April 14th, passing the bi-partisan COVID-19 relief package. She made the following statement after voting in favor of the bill: “Since the time the COVID-19 crisis became a state-level issue, I have been working extremely hard to engage with constituents as we all try to manage this crisis together. I have been hearing from individuals, families, and small businesses that are struggling in every corner of my district, and the state. The bill passed today will allow much needed federal dollars to make their way

Madison – Representative Michael Schraa (R-Oshkosh) praises the Assembly Extraordinary Session to address issues brought about by the health emergency. Many constituents have been concerned about their Unemployment Insurance (UI) claims. Today we voted to eliminate the one week waiting period retroactively to claims after March 12 in order to help our citizens and capture federal dollars. The bill also makes numerous adjustment to Medicaid to capture federal dollars. Additionally, certain licensing and insurance requirements are adjusted to allow out-of-state and former health professionals to work during the emergency. Under the bill, insurance policies that cover other tests for infectious

MADISON – Today, the State Assembly passed Assembly Bill 1038 which addressed our state’s response to the COVID-19 crisis. Representative Gary Hebl (D-Sun Prairie) released the following statement: I am encouraged that the Wisconsin Legislature has been able to work together in a bipartisan manner to address the COVID-19 pandemic. We addressed some real concerns today and began to ease the burden on Wisconsin residents who are hurting because of this once-in-a-century catastrophe. However, I do not think our work is finished. We cannot simply pass this bill and think we have done enough for our constituents. We are faced

MADISON, Wis. – Earlier today, the Assembly passed Assembly Bill 1038 during an Extraordinary Session as the state’s first response to address the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, Representative Sondy Pope (D-Mt. Horeb) issued the following statement: “I remain hopeful that the Legislature will continue to work to address this public health crisis. Our work today must not be the end of the state’s response. It is our duty as Legislators to take further action in protecting our democracy and the well-being of our citizens’ health, safety, and economic security. The amendments Democrats offered today would have addressed these issues but

MADISON – In addition to Justice-elect Jill Karofsky’s stunning double-digit win yesterday, dozens of pro-conservation local candidates claimed victory, winning seats on county boards, school boards, and city councils across the state. “We’re proud that 37 of our 46 endorsed local candidates won their seats in races across the state,” said Executive Director Kerry Schumann. “Communities like Brown and Marinette Counties, the city and school board of Green Bay, Lafayette and Eau Claire Counties, and more are well-situated to protect their community members from unsafe water and to work towards clean, renewable energy.” The night’s stand out victory came when now

La Crosse, WI— Today, Rep. Ron Kind sent a letter to Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue demanding to know what he is doing to support dairy farmers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, Rep. Kind is pressing Secretary Perdue to explain why he has still not reopened the dairy margin coverage (DMC) program. During DMC enrollment for 2020 in December 2019, milk futures showed some of the highest milk prices in over five years. Cash strapped dairy farmers who were barely getting by in previous years were eager to take advantage of the higher prices to pay off debts, rebuild their savings,

MADISON – The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) is calling for employers of migrant and seasonal workers to adhere to the Department of Health Services’ (DHS) Emergency Order #25, which provides directives to ensure the safety of workers and security of the state’s food supply chain. Ensuring the safety and protection of migrant and seasonal farm workers is essential in sustaining Wisconsin’s vitally important agricultural and food production and processing industries.  COVID-19 can spread easily in settings with many people living in close proximity to each other.  As such, farm owners and managers who provide housing and transportation for migrant