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.

Flexibility needed to provide the safest possible care for children in out-of-home care.

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today issued Emergency Order #18, suspending several administrative rules for the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) to help reduce the potential spread of COVID-19 while maintaining critical services the agency provides. The order can be found here.

“While good practice under regular circumstances, some requirements of the state’s programs actually increase the likelihood of exposure through additional interaction between people,” said Gov. Evers. “We have to continue to find ways to serve Wisconsinites, regardless of their circumstances, while keeping them safe and healthy.”

Emergency Order #18 gives the flexibility needed to provide the safest possible care for children in out-of-home care by allowing local agencies to make decisions about when and if services are needed for an individual child. Numerous agency rules require local agencies to take certain actions during a set window of time. Due to the heightened risk of exposure caused by additional face-to-face interactions, this flexibility allows local agencies to make decisions based on the best interest of the child.

The order also waives an in-person training deadline for new employees in W-2 agencies. Extending the deadline will ensure new W-2 staff can stay on the job, helping Wisconsinites in need of services.

“The governor has shown incredible leadership throughout our public health emergency,” said DCF Secretary Emilie Amundson. “With Governor Evers’ help, DCF continues to provide services, support, and programming that helps children, families, and communities stay safe and healthy.”

Gov. Evers previously waived rules for DCF programs under Emergency Order #3. That order waived various requirements governing out of home care, child care, and child support programs.

Current standards require fleets to average nearly 55 miles per gallon by 2025, Trump rule would bring that number down to about 40 mpg by 2026.

WASHINGTON, DC - The Trump administration on Tuesday rolled back an Obama-era law that pushes automakers to produce more fuel efficient vehicles, severely limiting a rule designed to decrease pollution from transportation in the face of climate change.

The new rule cuts the year-over-year improvements expected from the auto industry, slashing standards that require automakers to produce fleets that average nearly 55 miles per gallon (mpg) by 2025. Instead, the Trump rule would bring that number down to about 40 mpg by 2026, bringing mileage below what automakers have said is possible for them to achieve.

Read the developing report here

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/coved-19-brief-cuomo-s5.pngThe Hill's daily roundup of coronavirus news.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/covid-19-test-s5.jpgThe state’s new public-private partnership is expected to double our capacity to up to 4,000 COVID-19 tests per day initially and continue to expand as additional platforms and supplies become available.

Virginia, DC also added to stay-at-home orders as COVID-19 spreads in region.

Union claims City delayed telling coworkers about sewer worker quarantined because a member of their household tested positive for COVID-19.

WASHINGTON, DC - The United States now has 100,000 known cases of coronavirus, passing a new milestone, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker.

The mark comes shortly after the United States this week moved into first place in the world, passing China and Italy, in the number of known cases.

Read the full story here

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/healthcare-s5.jpgOrder will simplify healthcare license renewals to encourage retired doctors, nurses, and other recently retired healthcare professionals to re-enter practice. Also enables nursing students close to graduation to be a part of the state’s COVID-19 response.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/trump-signs-cares-s5.pngCARES Act is the third legislative package approved by Congress in order to address the coronavirus crisis.