MADISON – The Wisconsin legislature today passed a bill allowing Pfizer to utilize its Pleasant Prairie facility to ship its COVID vaccine to the entire western half of the United States. Assembly Bill 120, authored by Senator Van Wanggaard (R-Racine) and Representative Samantha Kerkman (R-Salem Lakes), passed both the Assembly and Senate on voice votes, and is now heading to the Governor’s desk for his signature.
“This is a great day for Pleasant Prairie, and the entire southeastern Wisconsin region,” said Wanggaard. “We should be proud that Wisconsin is playing such a huge role in vaccine distribution and the jobs it is creating.”
“This is good for the economic vitality of Kenosha County and good for the health of our nation,” said Kerkman.
In anticipation of this bill, Pfizer has already increased employment by more than 20%. The bill creates an optional license for Pfizer that will allow it to distribute smaller shipments of the vaccine to states like California, and possibly Missouri. Interpretations of California, Federal and Wisconsin law, require a “third-party logistics provider” state license that Wisconsin does not offer. Senate Bill 163 is creates that license, allowing Pfizer’s Pleasant Prairie facility to ship nationwide.
“Had Governor Evers signed Assembly Bill 1, this situation would have been resolved,” said Wanggaard. “I’ve been happy to work with Representative Samantha Kerkman, Speaker Robin Vos and Majority Leader LeMahieu to get this bill across the finish line. I urge Governor Evers to sign this bill quickly, so that Pfizer can continue hiring in Pleasant Prairie.”
