http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/high-voltage-lines-farms-s5.jpgEvers wants to make sure folks don’t have to choose between keeping their utilities on and paying for other essentials.

Governor reassures students and parents by suspending administrative rules relating to hours of instruction, student teacher assessments during COVID-19 public health emergency.

State Treasurer offers helpful information in dealing with the crisis.

MADISON - I know we are facing trying times. COVID-19 is impacting not only the health of our loved ones but people’s livelihood. Yet despite it all, the people of Wisconsin continue to amaze me with their acts of kindness and generosity to those around them.

We are grateful to the health care professionals, the public safety officers, the day care providers and everyone else who are making sacrifices to help others. I know that together, we can make it through this.

I’ve heard from a number of small business leaders from across the state who have shared their personal stories of having to shut down or lay off workers. I’m working with key government partners to provide support for our state businesses and have shared a few of those resources available below.

Beyond businesses, I also want to share some community resources for those in need.

I understand these resources will not help everyone, but they are an important start. I will continue to work to provide additional resources and information for workers and businesses who are navigating this time of uncertainty.

Food Security

• Stores across the state are starting Senior Shopping Hours, so that those most at risk can shop safely.
• Hunger Task Force is offering Stock Boxes, featuring cereal, milk, canned veggies and fruits, pasta or rice, protein, fruit juice, canned meats and 2 pounds of cheese, to low income Wisconsinites. If you want to help, donate here.

Resources for Small Businesses

• Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is creating solutions for businesses. WEDC is working to provide $5 million in grants for small businesses of fewer than twenty people. Learn more about it here.
• The Small Business Administration has approved Governor Evers’ request for loans for small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Apply here.

Mental Health

• If you are struggling with mental health, support is available. Call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746

Childcare and Resources for Students

• The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families has information for child care, including requests for assistance.

Volunteer Opportunities

• No matter where you live in Wisconsin, there are opportunities for people looking to help out. Check out Volunteer Wisconsin for ways to support your community.

I was living near the Pentagon on 9/11. I remember in those hours and days after, that I didn’t know how we would possibly recover as a nation. But then I saw neighbors and friends giving blood, volunteering and helping each other get by, one day at a time.

This pandemic is unlike any crisis we have ever faced as a nation, but I know that, if we follow the safety precautions and continue to work together, we will be successful.

-Sarah

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/covid-19-hospital-icu-s5.jpgFederal Emergency Declaration opens new avenues to guarantee everyone is tested and treated without cost sharing, fully covering all uninsured Wisconsinites say Healthcare advocates.

Focus Shifts to Distributing Food, Providing Child Care for Health Care Professionals

MADISON, WI - Wisconsin Boys & Girls Clubs are starting a statewide COVID-19 Relief Fund today at www.bgcwisconsin.org to purchase food, acquire supplies, pay staff, and address needs directly related to the coronavirus pandemic. Clubs serve 144,800 youth across 154 sites in 58 Wisconsin cities, more than any organization outside of our public school system. They also serve two million meals and snacks to youth every year at no cost. In some locations, this may now come to an end.

"Safety is the number one priority for clubs across Wisconsin, and local sites are handling this pandemic differently," said Karen DeSanto, State Alliance President. "Some are remaining open, some are scaling down, and many are now providing virtual programming online. Unfortunately, some sites are facing the hard decision to shut down."

In some areas including Appleton, Oshkosh and Berlin, local clubs are stepping up to provide additional child care for medical staff and first responders.  In other clubs, from Milwaukee to Baraboo to Door County, staff are distributing food to families outside of normal membership.  Clubs are not required to shut down during the pandemic because they serve vital needs, but many are now facing unprecedented financial hardship.

"Our clubs are dependent upon private contributions," said Andy Gussert, State Alliance Director. "We've had to cancel a half a dozen fundraising events across the state this month, and will postpone more in April. This leaves a financial gap of over a million dollars across our clubs."

Wisconsin clubs serves more youth per person than any other state in the country. Seven out of every ten kids are from a racial or ethnic minority, two of every five are from a single parent household, and two of every three are on reduced school lunch programs. "These are the kids who most need our help most during the pandemic," said Gussert.

Contributions will be shared directly with local sites across the state, dollar for dollar, with no overhead charges taken out. Donations can be made at https://www.bgcwisconsin.org/ and are administered by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County.

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The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs is to ensure all young people, especially those who need us most, can reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Every dollar invested in Boys & Girls Clubs returns $12.40 in earnings and cost-savings to their communities.

Green Bay, WI - Green Bay Metro staff spent this week implementing protective practices which would minimize risk of exposure to COVID-19 for riders and employees. Effective Monday, March 23, 2020, Green Bay Metro will provide limited transit services.  Because these services are limited, the Green Bay Transit Commission has approved free fares until further notice.

Green Bay Metro expects riders to:

--Take only essential trips; those that are absolutely necessary

--Stay home if you are sick

--Use the rear door only (unless using a mobility device)

--Stay behind the tape, and do not approach the operator (bus driver)

--Stay six feet away from other people, whether showing symptoms or not (social distancing)

Bus information for riders:

--There will be a limit of six passengers per bus (seats have been blocked off to limit passengers)

--The buses will operate Monday through Friday, 6:45 am to 6:45 pm

--On Saturday, the buses will operate from 7:45 am to 3:45 pm

--There will be one ADA (Americans with Disability Act) or disabled passenger per bus using the Quantum device

Green Bay Metro’s “Demand Service” will be in effect.  Riders must call 920-448-3450 (press option 1, option 1 again) two hours in advance to request a ride.  Be prepared to inform Green Bay Metro of the pick-up bus stop, and the pick-up time.

Demand Service only routes are 5, 10, 15, 16, 17 and 18.

See the schedule below for other routes, and please note the service times (Route 11 will now be at :45 after)

Monday through Friday:
2-Orange 6:45am – 6:15pm Hourly
4-Blue 6:45am – 6:45pm Hourly
6-Red 6:45am – 6:45pm Hourly
7-Lime 6:45am – 6:45pm Hourly
8-Green 6:45am – 6:45pm Hourly
11-Sky 6:45am – 6:45pm Hourly
12-Coal 6:45am – 6:15pm Hourly
13-River 7:15am – 6:45pm Hourly*
14-Brown 7:15am – 6:45pm Hourly*

Demand Service Routes (5, 10, 15, 16, 17 and 18): 6:45am – 6:45pm Hourly

Last bus departs Metro at 5:45pm.
*Last bus departs Metro at 6:15pm.

Saturday Schedule:
2-Orange 7:45am – 3:15pm Hourly
4-Blue 7:45am – 3:45pm Hourly
6-Red 7:45am – 3:45pm Hourly
7-Lime 7:45am – 3:45pm Hourly
8-Green 7:45am – 3:45pm Hourly
11-Sky 7:45am – 3:45pm Hourly
12-Coal 7:45am – 3:15pm Hourly
13-River 8:15am – 3:45pm Hourly*
14-Brown 8:15am – 3:45pm Hourly*

Demand Service Routes (5, 10, 15, 16, 17 and 18): 7:45am – 3:45pm Hourly

Last bus departs Metro at 2:45pm.
*Last bus departs Metro at 3:15pm.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/sba-ofc-s5.jpgGovernor is encouraging business owners affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to reach out to SBA’s partners and offices with their questions to help the loan application process go as smoothly as possible.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/froedtert-hospital-s5.jpgEvers taking whatever steps he can to ensure adequate supply. As of today, the state has received only a small allocation of facemasks, gloves, gowns and other protective items from the federal government.

Office is working with the US Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to begin providing resources.

MADISON - It’s a sobering time in our state as we navigate the uncertainty of COVID-19. My office is taking an all-hands-on-deck approach working with the Governor’s Office and our federal partners to ensure the health and well-being of Wisconsinites.

We know our small business community will feel the strain as many across the state have closed their doors to help contain the spread of this awful virus. My office is working with the US Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to begin providing resources and finding solutions for Wisconsin small businesses.

These measures are far from perfect, but they are the first steps in helping our business community cope:

US Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance. The SBA will soon be providing Wisconsin small business assistance through their disaster loan program. Governor Evers has already submitted the declaration request, and we expect approval very soon. Our office will be sharing the news once the declaration is approved via Facebook and Twitter.

• To begin preparing your application, small businesses will need: 
  • Tax Information Authorization (IRS Form 4506T) for the applicant, principals, and affiliates
  • Complete copies of the most recent Federal Income Tax Return.
  • Schedule of Liabilities (SBA Form 2202)
  • Personal Financial Statement (SBA Form 413)
  • Profit and loss statements
  • Monthly sales figures (SBA Form 1368)

For more on SBA programs for the coronavirus, please visit www.sba.gov/coronavirus.

WEDC Small Business 2020 Grant Program: Grants to businesses with 20 or fewer part-time or full-time employees that are facing cash flow issues as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. This program is in partnership with Wisconsin-based Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). To learn more, visit the website: https://wedc.org/programs-and-resources/small-business-2020/

Kiva Small Business Lending: KIVA is a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to capital for entrepreneurs and small businesses. The have expanded eligibility, loan amounts, and grace periods to help meet the needs of businesses managing the impact of COVID-19. Click here to learn more.

The Office of the State Treasurer will continue to share information and coordinate resources. While the coronavirus is here, it will not knock us out. Please feel free to reach out to our office via email at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with questions.

Thank you to everyone who has stepped up and helped during this crisis from the healthcare workers and grocery store attendants to volunteers.  If you are looking for ways to help, please visit Volunteer Wisconsin.

Stay safe,

Sarah Godlewski, Wisconsin State Treasurer

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today directed Department of Health Services (DHS) Secretary-designee Andrea Palm to issue updates to the previous order prohibiting mass gatherings of 10 or more people.

The updated order maintains the ban on gatherings of 10 or more people and indefinite school closures, but includes some important changes and clarifications:

• Treats bars and restaurants are the same. Bars will be able to have carryout sales of alcohol and food, if allowed by local ordinances and state law. This will help ensure thousands of establishments can stay in business during this unprecedented health emergency.
• Media and news organizations can remain open to provide the public with vital information.
• Laundromats may remain open.
• Banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions may remain open if they practice social distancing.
• All parts of the food delivery system – from farms to stores – may remain open.
• Clarifies that cafeterias in healthcare facilities may remain open to serve our healthcare workers.
• Allied health professions, such as acupuncturists, are unaffected by the mass gathering ban.
• All parts of our transportation system can continue to serve our economy.
• Any facility used for in-person absentee voting or as a polling location may remain open for voting, except for sites at long-term care and assisted care facilities.
• Hair salons, day spas, nail salons, barber shops, tattoo parlors, body art establishments, and tanning facilities must close effective 5 pm on Fri., March 20, 2020.

All gatherings that bring together or are likely to bring together 10 or less people in a single room or confined space, whether inside or outside, at the same time must preserve social distancing and follow all other public health recommendations issued by DHS or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Voluntary cancellation, closure, or limitations on the size of gatherings beyond the requirements of this order are permitted and encouraged.

People should follow simple steps to prevent illness and avoid exposure to this virus including:

• Avoid social gatherings with people of all ages (including playdates and sleepovers, parties, large family dinners, visitors in your home, non-essential workers in your house);
• Frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water;
• Covering coughs and sneezes;
• Avoiding touching your face; and
• Staying home when able.

This is a rapidly evolving situation and we encourage you and the public to frequently monitor the DHS website for updates, and to follow @DHSWI on Facebook and Twitter, or dhs.wi on Instagram. Additional information can be found on the CDC website.