Civic Courage Needed to Defeat COVID-19
$2 Trillion Coronoavirus Bill
Last week the Senate unanimously passed the largest stimulus bill in American history. It was signed by President Trump Friday afternoon. How will the Cares Act help you? We answer many of your questions on my website.
We are enduring a national crisis that is no one's fault. Across the board, elected and non-elected federal, state and local officials are making tough decisions and taking decisive action to limit the spread of the coronavirus. But these decisions are being made with limited information, so the results will be far from perfect.
The Cares Act is a prime example. Although far from perfect, the Cares Act does address many of the problems caused by the coronavirus.
American workers who have lost their jobs need financial support. Their employers who have been forced to cease operation or have seen their business drastically decline also need funds to remain viable so that they can reopen and rehire their workforce once the medical crisis has subsided. Financial markets require liquidity to keep functioning. And funds must be provided to our health care system to take care of patients and develop and produce effective therapies and vaccines.
It was essential that Congress provide this support, which is why I voted in favor of it. But the $2 trillion price was pretty hard to swallow. During national emergencies, it is illegal for private sector actors to take advantage of consumers by price-gouging. Unfortunately, in Congress, price-gouging in legislative negotiations has become a standard operating procedure. In this case, not letting a crisis go to waste dramatically drove up the cost of the bill and provided funding for purposes not essential to address the current crisis.
I was pleased to work with Senator Baldwin, Leader McConnell, Secretary Mnuchin, and the Senate Finance Committee to correct a legislative anomaly that made Wisconsin ineligible to receive the increased Medicaid funding provided in the Phase 2 stimulus bill. Wisconsins elected officials now have an opportunity, but must act quickly, to become eligible for additional funding to help treat coronavirus patients and combat this disease. I was also encouraged that Senate negotiators accepted the oversight structure that I developed with Senator Peters and Department of Justice Inspector General Horowitz. A spending bill this massive will require robust oversight and auditing authorities.
With the Cares Act passed, we must remain united as a nation to limit the spread of coronavirus and to keep the elderly and vulnerable safe through effective social distancing strategies. With that goal in mind, we also must keep as much of our economy up and operating as possible. As our knowledge of this invisible enemy grows, we must make wise choices and show a great deal of courage in order to defeat it.
Wisconsin's Safer at Home Order
Wisconsinites are now living with the Safer at Home order in effect from March 25 until Friday, April 24 at 8:00 a.m.
During this time, Wisconsin residents will still be able to get services and supplies necessary for staying at home.
Read the entire Safer at Home order here.
For business owners who are unsure if their business meets the definition of essential, we recommend checking the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
Please check my website to help you navigate through these uncertain times. Links to the latest from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Wisconsin Department of Health Services and opportunities to volunteer in your community can be found here.
Information for small business affected by the coronavirus pandemic can be found here.
Bringing Wisconsinites Home
My office has been working non-stop for two weeks to do everything we can to get Wisconsinites stranded overseas back home. We've been helping more than 400 people in a dozen countries who are scared and desperate to return. Last week, I sent a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo requesting his assistance in securing their safe return. A copy of that letter can be found here.
Paul Johnson (no relation) is one of those travellers. Here's his story from WFRV in Green Bay.
COVID-19 Information Links
Please remember to get your information from reputable sources. Coronavirus.gov is the best place to start. My website is another great resource with many curated lists.
Department of Labor: Employee paid leave rights
USDA Rural Development: Information for rural communities and businesses
Wisconsinites Doing Good 
We can all use some heartwarming news these days.
A first grade teacher in Milton started the Happy Heart Hunt Facebook group, which already has 160,000 followers. People are hanging hearts in their home windows for people to find on walks. Watch her story here.
And please, stay healthy and stay safe.
