Contact: GovPress@wisconsin.gov New COVID-19 response legislation to be announced in the coming days MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers tonight delivered a primetime address, calling for unity and working together in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. The governor’s address comes as Wisconsin had yet another record-breaking day in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. Today Wisconsin reported 7,000 new cases, 66 lives lost, and 291 people hospitalized due to COVID-19. During his address, Gov. Evers pointed to projections from the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. The IHME’s projections indicates that based on current data, approximately 5,000 Wisconsinites could die

Madison, WI – The statewide coalition effort to combat the spread of COVID-19 has doubled down on the urgency of its messaging as Wisconsin’s public health crisis threatens to overwhelm the state. Today, the “Stop the COVID Spread!” coalition released its fourth public education announcement on broadcast TV and digital platforms statewide, with a stern and serious new message in the coalition’s efforts urging Wisconsin residents to do their part to help reverse the public health crisis that is threatening to cause great harm to the state. The new ad comes as Wisconsin again hit new daily COVID-19 records, surpassing 7,000

Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway announced today that the temporary homeless shelter for men will be leaving the Warner Park Community Recreation Center, where it has operated since March 30, and moving to the recently vacated City Fleet Services Building at 202 S. First Street. The move is expected to occur before the end of the year. “With no immediate end of the COVID pandemic in sight, the issue of protecting our most vulnerable remains a priority”, Rhodes-Conway said. “I am pleased that the Fleet Services Building will be able to serve as a temporary shelter while we continue work on

Milwaukee, WI – Statement in response to the Supreme Court’s hearing of the California v. Texas lawsuit to determine the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act Citizen Action of Wisconsin released the following statement: COVID cases are surging in Wisconsin to new levels, setting new records for infection and putting Wisconsinites’ lives at risk. During the biggest public health crisis of our lifetimes, we need more and better health care for all people, not less. And yet, during this global pandemic, the United States is taking up the Trump and Republican backed California v. Texas lawsuit that threatens to take

WAUKESHA, Wis. – Citizen Soldiers and Airmen from the Wisconsin National Guard helped Wisconsin become number one in the 19th annual Drug Take Back initiative that takes place each year nationwide. Members of the Wisconsin National Guard’s Counterdrug Program assisted at drug collection sites across Wisconsin and then helped consolidate unused or expired prescription drugs at a consolidation facility in Waukesha Oct. 26. Nationwide, a record 985,392 pounds of unused medications were turned in at Drug Take Back events this year. Wisconsin led the way with 89,982 pounds collected – representing more than 9 percent of the nation’s total. Some

MADISON – Today, State Representative Lisa Subeck (D-Madison) was elected Vice-Chair of the Assembly Democratic Caucus. Rep. Subeck released the following statement regarding her election:   “I am honored that my Democratic colleagues in the Assembly have chosen me to be Vice-Chair of our caucus and grateful for the trust they have placed in me. While starting our legislative session in the midst of a pandemic will certainly present unique challenges, I look forward to working together to find solutions.   I am excited to join a strong leadership team, to welcome our newly elected Democrats, and to work with

MADISON – The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) today released unemployment data from March 15 to November 7, 2020, revealing that 92.95% of the 7.9 million weekly Unemployment Insurance claims that have been filed since March 15, 2020, have been processed. Unemployment Insurance is a joint state-federal program that provides benefits to eligible workers. Each state administers a separate UI program with state-specific laws and rules, but states must also follow the same guidelines established by federal law. Any answer given on a claim raising a question regarding a person’s eligibility must be fully investigated before benefits may be paid; this is

MADISON– Today, Senator-elect Melissa Sargent (D-Madison) was elected by her colleagues as Caucus Vice-Chair. Senator-elect Sargent will be sworn in, and assume the duties of this leadership role on January 4, 2021. Sargent released the following statement: “I am proud to have earned the support and trust of my colleagues in the Senate Democratic Caucus. I look forward to serving in the role of Caucus Vice-Chair with passion and dedication. “I understand the challenges we face – we all do. However, for the greater good we must work together to stand up for our progressive roots – and to build

MADISON – Today, Senate Democrats elected Senator Jeff Smith (D – Brunswick) as the Democratic Caucus Chair.   Senator Jeff Smith released the following statement in response to today’s leadership election:   “I’m honored by my colleagues’ trust and support for electing me to serve as Caucus Chair. I look forward to working with my colleagues on our shared progressive values and pushing our legislative leaders to address the crises we still face after more than 200 days of inaction.”

MADISON – Upon being re-elected as Senate Minority leader this afternoon, Senator Janet Bewley (D-Mason) released the following statement: “I would like to thank my colleagues for placing their trust in me to lead our caucus during such a trying time for our state. I know that the work ahead of us will be difficult and I could not be more pleased with the great leadership team we have assembled in Senator Ringhand, Senator Smith, and Senator – Elect Sargent. We are committed to working with our entire caucus, Democrats in the Assembly and Governor Evers to move our agenda

FRANKLIN, WISCONSIN—As we approach Veterans Day, today Congressman Bryan Steil announced Mr. Steven Perrigo, United States Army Sergeant (Ret.) from Franklin, as Wisconsin’s First Congressional District’s 2020 Veteran of the Year recipient. “I am honored to announce Steven as this year’s Veteran of the Year recipient. When duty called, Steven did not hesitate to answer it. Steven’s distinguished military career and commitment to fellow veterans, especially homeless veterans and those suffering from mental health challenges, is admirable. Too often our veterans’ service, advocacy, and work in Southeast Wisconsin goes unrecognized. I am committed to shining a light on heroes, like

WISCONSIN — Today, Governor Tony Evers, Wisconsinites with pre-existing conditions Rev. Dana Kelley and Dustin Klein, and Dr. Mike Miller joined Protect Our Care Wisconsin to discuss how the Trump-Republican lawsuit to eliminate the Affordable Care Act would impact health care coverage for millions of Americans in the middle of a public health emergency made worse by the Trump administration’s failure to confront the crisis head-on. Today, just one week after the presidential election, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the Trump administration and Republicans’ lawsuit to eliminate the Affordable Care Act. If the Court sides with Republicans, and

MILWAUKEE—The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors and Mental Health Board are coming together to prioritize access to behavioral health services, as the community continues to deal with the ongoing stress of the pandemic and the upcoming holiday season. Since the onset of COVID-19, Milwaukee County experienced a 54% increase in drug overdoses and an alarming 300% increase in death by suicide this past August. “I look forward to building a relationship with the Behavioral Health Division that will enhance the service we are able to give our constituents in Milwaukee county,” said Milwaukee County Supervisor Sequanna Taylor. Recognizing the current challenges