Madison- Today, the Wisconsin State Assembly met in an extraordinary session to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Rep. Mary Felzkowski (R-Irma) supported the response package and is eager to see its implementation.
The legislation makes a variety of changes to current state law to allow for a more expedient and effective response across all sectors, from unemployment benefits to licensing. Additionally, it gives the Evers administration necessary flexibility and helps the state capture millions more in federal dollars.
“These difficult times have led to unprecedented challenges across our society. As the public health crisis has evolved, so have the ramifications of the crisis. Jobs have been lost, businesses closed, community pillars shuttered. We voted on a response package that is comprehensive, far-reaching, and that will help our communities weather this storm.”
Rep. Felzkowski continued, “We must look ahead, not only to ensure our public health in the short term, but looking out for the health of our society and economy in the long run. In our region, there is no question that forestry is fundamentally essential to our local economy, and is one of our state’s most important industries as a whole. That is why, in this legislation, I fought to include a provision requiring the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to submit a broad support plan to the Legislature for our forest products industry, in addition to manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. Government must continue to work with the private sector throughout this recovery process, and this is just the beginning.”
“Our success as a state depends on our coming together to address this situation. Wisconsinites are resilient, and I know all of us in the Northwoods will step up, come together, and rebuild.”
Rep. Felzkowski looks forward to seeing this bipartisan legislation move through the Senate and head to Governor Evers’ desk for his signature.
