Program targeting sectors hit hardest by COVID-19 largest direct-aid program for small businesses in WEDC history.

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) announced almost 55,000 state small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic received approximately $240 million last year through the We’re All In grants program – the largest direct-aid program for small businesses in WEDC history.

“Wisconsin’s small businesses have exemplified remarkable resilience throughout this pandemic, finding new, innovative ways to keep the doors open and the lights on. But it wasn’t easy, and I am glad we were able to provide this critically needed support,” said Gov. Evers. “We aren’t out of the woods just yet, and it is vital that we continue to support our local businesses and their employees to help them get through these tough times.”

Funded by the federal CARES Act, the We're All In grants were awarded to Wisconsin small businesses in three phases throughout first year of the pandemic. Starting in the summer, Phase 1 distributed $65 million to more than 26,000 businesses around the state. The grants were administered by WEDC, with each receiving a $2,500 grant. About half of WEDC’s staff shifted from normal operations to processing the grants to get the funds out to businesses.

In the fall, Phase 2 provided $130 million to more than 26,000 businesses. The program was created by WEDC but received technical and customer service assistance from the DOR. Due to greater demand and limited resources, Phase 2 grants were targeted toward industries hit hardest by the pandemic, as well as diverse businesses and businesses that had not received Phase 1 grants. Businesses received $5,000 awards. Both Phase 1 and Phase 2 grants were aimed at businesses with less than $1 million in annual revenue, regardless of industry.

In the late fall, Phase 3, We're All in For Restaurants, was specifically targeted at food, beverage, and amusement businesses with annual revenues between $1 million and $7 million, with each qualified business receiving $20,000. More than 2,000 received these grants, which were also administered by DOR in collaboration with WEDC.

“The intent for all of the We’re All In grants was to get help to as many small businesses as we could, as quickly as we could,” said WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes. “I’m pleased WEDC was able to work with DOR to help us identify many of the businesses that were struggling the most.”

“We have seen economic impacts from COVID-19 that are very uneven,” said DOR Secretary Peter Barca. “Some businesses are suffering a great deal while others have seen less impact.”

The DOR and the WEDC have posted a searchable online database of recipients and the amounts they received. Additionally, there is an online interactive data visualization map of the state of Wisconsin which highlights where businesses are located, and what industries received the grants.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/trump-insurgents-capitol-s5.pngEvery leader in our nation must stand up and acknowledge that this is the moment to draw a line in the sand and remove President Trump from office, say Agard and colleagues.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/covid-19-testing-troop-s5.jpgCitizen Soldiers and Airmen are vital part in the state’s effort to offer regular, widespread COVID-19 testing statewide.

Public hearing to occur online on Thurs., Jan. 14, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.

MADISON - The People’s Maps Commission will hold a virtual public hearing at 5:00 p.m. on Thurs., Jan. 14, 2021, to seek public input on the upcoming redistricting of legislative maps from constituents of Wisconsin’s 4th Congressional District.  Although the Jan. 14 hearing will focus on the 4th Congressional District, all Wisconsin residents are encouraged to watch and participate. Anyone wishing to testify at the hearing must register in advance by visiting the People’s Maps Commission website HERE.

The hearing is the Commission’s fourth in a series of at least eight meetings, one for each one of Wisconsin’s eight congressional districts. The virtual public hearing will include testimony from subject matter experts and also provide Wisconsinites the opportunity to express how they have been affected by legislative redistricting and share their ideas for how Wisconsin can work together to achieve fair maps.

The deadline for registering to comment during this hearing is 5:00 p.m. Tues., Jan. 12, 2021. Each speaker will have three minutes to speak. Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis, with priority to residents of Wisconsin’s 4th Congressional District.

For anyone unable to join the virtual hearing, written comments are strongly encouraged. Written comments can be submitted at any time using the feedback form available on the People’s Maps Commission website HERE. Written comments will be reviewed by the commissioners and are public record.

Selected by a three judge panel, the Commission is a nine-member nonpartisan redistricting commission charged with drawing fair, impartial maps for the state of Wisconsin. More information about the Commission, its members and its activities is available HERE.

Every 10 years, each state redraws their legislative and congressional districts using data from the decennial census. In addition to the data from the 2020 U.S. Census, the Commission will use information gathered during the public hearing process to prepare new maps. It will then be up to the Legislature to take up and approve the maps created by the Commission.

Due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, the People’s Maps Commission will host virtual public hearings for each of Wisconsin’s eight congressional districts. Agendas and additional details will be announced in advance of future meeting dates. The hearing dates are as follows:

The hearing dates are as follows:

• Thursday, January 14^th - 4^th Congressional District
• Thursday, January 28^th - 1^st Congressional District
• Thursday, February 11 - 7^th Congressional District
• Thursday, February 25^th - 6^th Congressional District
• Thursday, March 11 - 2^nd Congressional District

Individuals interested in watching previous hearings can find the recordings here:

• 1st - 8th Congressional District HERE
• 29th - 5th Congressional District HERE
• 19^th- 3^rdCongressional District HERE

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/trump-insurrection1-s5.pngI am watching these horrifying events unfold in Washington, D.C. in disbelief says Governor.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/kenosha-protests-aljazeera-s5.jpgJacob Blake’s life has forever been changed and his kids witnessed violence no kid should ever see, experienced trauma no kid should ever endure, all while the world watched. Tuesday's decision is evidence our work is not done.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/coronavirus-nurse-tired-s5.jpgGov. Evers and Legislative Democrats continue to push for meaningful, bipartisan measures to help Wisconsinites and strengthen recovery efforts.

Mayor thanks Brown County Executive, Governor. Hopes money will benefit the regional economy and dramatically improve the quality-of-life for area residents.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/foxconn-walker-ryan-johnson-s5.jpgYears after Republican leaders and Foxconn executives made a one-sided deal, there’s still nothing to show for it, forcing taxpayers to cover the cost. We must negotiate a new deal to properly invest in Wisconsin’s future.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/greenbay-lakemich-s5.jpgWEDC funds will assist purchase of decommissioned Pulliam Plant property, coal pile relocation.