http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/capitol-night-wisc-s5.jpgRepublicans use their majorities in the Assembly and Senate to block the Governor's attempt to extend the election date so everyone can vote safely from home.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/trump-signs-cares-s5.pngBanks and industry groups say a new rescue lending program for small businesses is off to a rocky start and may fall far short of what firms need.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/disability-old-s5.jpgGovernor wants Legislature to meet Saturday to take up legislation allowing an all-mail election, send a ballot to every registered voter, extend deadline to return them to May 26. Difficult times require new ways of thinking.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/green_bay_citydeck_fox_river-s5.jpgInformation you need to know if you live and vote in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/scott-fitzgerald-right-to-work-s5.jpgDelaying any longer is not an option, Wisconsinites need relief now.

Court order extends the deadline to request an absentee ballot to tomorrow, April 3.

MADISON - Gov. Tony Evers issued the following statement regarding U.S. District Judge William Conley's decision to ease requirements for absentee voting in the upcoming April 7 election. The order extends the deadline to request an absentee ballot to tomorrow, April 3, allows ballots to be counted that are received after the election until April 13, and eases the requirement for a witness signature.

“In the absence of the Legislature doing its part to ensure a fair and safe election, I appreciate that the court chose to implement some of the common-sense solutions that I’ve been advocating for. It’s great news that Wisconsinites will have more time to request and submit a ballot and that clerks will have more time to count ballots. I continue to encourage every Wisconsinite to request their absentee ballot and vote safely from home.”

Previously, the governor proposed legislation that had several provisions aimed at making voting easier and more accessible during the public health emergency. A brief summary of that legislation is available here for review. Additionally, Gov. Evers called for the Legislature to act on this issue in a video, available here. 

The amicus brief submitted on behalf of the governor is available here.

Green Bay voters are most concerned with the due date for absentee ballot requests, the deadline for receipt of absentee ballots, and the requirement for a witness signature.

Green Bay, WI - Judge William Conley, United States District Court, District of Wisconsin, has given the State of Wisconsin preliminary relief on the request, receipt and processing of absentee ballots. Three issues of particular concern to Green Bay voters are: the due date for absentee ballot requests; the deadline for receipt of absentee ballots; and the requirement for a witness signature.

The due date for absentee ballots requests has been extended to tomorrow, April 3, 2020 at 5 pm. There are three ways to submit a request before 5 pm tomorrow. Voters may complete a request at www.myvote.wi.gov. Voters may drop-off a letter to city hall containing your name, address, and the date you’d like the ballot for, along with a copy of your photo identification. Voters may also send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with your name, address, and the date you’d like the ballot for, along with a copy of your photo identification.

The deadline for processing absentee ballots has been extended from 8 pm on April 7th to 4 pm on April 13, 2020. All absentee ballots received by 4 pm on April 13, 2020 will be counted. The City of Green Bay encourages voters to drop-off their completed ballots to the City Hall drop-box, located on the parking-lot side of the building, 100 N. Jefferson St.

Finally, voters who weren’t able to get a witness can provide a written statement, attesting to their inability to obtain a witness for their absentee ballot. The voter can provide the written statement along with their ballot.

Tuesday's shipment includes approximately 51,880 N95 respirators, 130,840 face/surgical masks, 23,400 face shields, 20,226 surgical gowns, 96 coveralls, and 79,000 pairs of gloves.

Sarah Godlewski outlines emergency orders and actions taken to protect the economic security during this public health crisis. Also resources available through the US Small Business Administration.

MADISON - We know a healthy economy is dependent on the health of its people. As we adapt to the Governor’s essential #SaferAtHome order, my office is working hard to provide the resources and information Wisconsinites and our small business community need.

Since my last email, there have been a number of emergency orders and actions to protect the economic security of individuals and small businesses during this public health crisis. A few notable updates are:

• Protection from Eviction/Foreclosure. In order to help ensure people are able to stay home and slow the spread of COVID-19, Governor Evers announced a temporary ban on evictions and foreclosures for 60 days. This includes both residential properties, as well as businesses. To read the full document, click here.

• Insurance for Restaurant Delivery Drivers. As many restaurants are adjusting to carry-out and delivery only, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OCI) directed the insurance industry to cover delivery services on personal auto insurance policies. They must also offer coverage, if requested, for hired drivers and non-owned vehicles on a restaurant’s general liability service – both at no extra cost to policyholders. More information on this order here.

• Prevention of Utility Shut-offs. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) has directed regulated utilities to stop disconnection for nonpayment for all customers, including commercial, industrial, and farm accounts. They have also halted late fees and eased a number of administrative rules to keep homes and businesses supplied with light, heat, and water. For help with utility disconnections, reach out to the PSC directly here.

• Sales and Use Tax Extensions. Last week, the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) announced that small businesses can immediately request an extension to file sales and use tax returns. This comes along with extending the income tax payment and return due date to July 15th.  DOR has announced a series of steps to ease payment guidelines and postpone audit actions, more information can be found here.

In addition, there have been updates to resources available through the US Small Business Administration (SBA):

• SBA Express Bridge Loans. This program allows small businesses who have a current relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 with less paperwork. These loans can help small businesses access capital quickly and can be used to bridge the gap while applying for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan. For a list of Wisconsin SBA Express Lenders, click here.

• Paycheck Protection Program. This program was rolled out under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and authorizes $349 billion toward job retention loans. They are specifically designed to help small business keep their workforce employed. If you maintain your workforce, the SBA may forgive the portion of the loan proceeds that are used to cover the first 8 weeks of payroll and certain other expenses following loan origination.

The most current information on eligibility and the application process for all of SBA’s loans can be found at www.sba.gov/coronavirus.

We know that COVID-19 will continue to impact our lives and our community. We are working with our partners to provide the tools and information Wisconsinites need to help navigate this uncertainty. Please feel free to reach out to my office via email at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with questions.

We are in this together.

Stay safe,

Sarah Godlewski, Wisconsin State Treasurer

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/coronavirus-ventilator-s5.jpgFEMA help needed to access critical programs to deal with the pandemic now, and with the recovery that will be taking place down the road.