MADISON, Wis. — This morning, Governor Tony Evers, Speaker Robin Vos, and incoming Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu finally met to discuss the state’s out of control coronavirus pandemic and what can be done about it legislatively. While this is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, Republicans must show that they’re really serious about taking action.
The Governor has been leading throughout this pandemic, offering a consistent and evidence-backed message around masking, social distancing, and staying home. He has implemented necessary public health measures through his executive powers, making every attempt to save lives. Governor Evers has prioritized families and ordinary people in the allocation of CARES Act funds through investments in small businesses, childcare, healthcare, food security, and much more. While these efforts have kept Wisconsin’s unemployment rate below the national average, suppressing the virus is the most important step to returning the economy to pre-pandemic levels and beyond.
Meanwhile, for more than 7 months, Republicans in the state legislature have spent their time suing to overturn executive orders by the Governor, casting doubt on the effectiveness of basic public health measures, and refusing to show up or offer a concrete plan of their own. Finally, Wisconsin’s Republican leadership has heard the united pleas from frontline healthcare providers, business owners, and families devastated by this virus.
With hospitals near capacity, an extremely high test positivity rate, and a growing number of new cases each day, Wisconsinites need urgent action to stop the spread and save lives at both the state and federal level.
Said A Better Wisconsin Together Executive Director Nicole Safar, “We’re very pleased to see Republican leaders meeting with the Governor and encourage Republican leaders Robin Vos, Devin LeMahieu, and their caucuses to take up Governor Evers’ legislative package and pass it in short order. The steps that we need to take to combat this virus and help struggling businesses are clear. What’s not yet clear is whether Republicans are serious about taking action. We certainly hope they are, because lives depend on it.”
