Contact: [email protected] or 608-219-7443 MADISON – On April 3, Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #73 calling the Legislature to meet in a special session to take up necessary changes to the upcoming spring election. The special session was scheduled for 4 p.m., today, Sat., April 4, 2020, and the Legislature failed to meet and pass legislation to protect the health and safety of Wisconsinites. In response, Gov. Evers issued the statement below. “Republicans in the Legislature are playing politics with public safety and ignoring the urgency of this public health crisis. It’s wrong. No one should have to choose between their health and their

Contact: [email protected] or 608-219-7443 MADISON – Gov. Tony Evers today announced that Wisconsin has been granted a major disaster declaration for the entire state of Wisconsin, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The declaration provides access to Public Assistance programs for all 72 Wisconsin counties and the state’s federally recognized tribes. “I am grateful for the swift action of the federal government in reviewing our request for a major disaster declaration,” Gov. Evers said. “The assistance granted today will help ensure Wisconsin can gain access to critical assistance as we continue our work to respond to this pandemic.” Gov. Evers earlier

MADISON – Today the Republican controlled state legislature refused to meet for a special session called by Governor Evers.   For the fourth time since Governor Evers’ election, Republicans have refused to meet in special session on pressing issues in Wisconsin. Previous special sessions related to gun violence, boosting Wisconsin’s small farm economy and increased funding for public schools. Governor Evers’ proposals have consistently drawn majority support from Wisconsinites.[i],[ii],[iii],[iv]   “People always ask me why it’s so difficult to have bi-partisanship. Well it’s difficult when one party continues to not show up. Governor Evers has asked Republicans to show up

(MADISON)—Today, Senator Tim Carpenter issued the following statement regarding Governor Evers’ Executive Order #73 relating to a Special Session of the Legislature to postpone the April 7th election:   “Governor Evers is doing his best to protect the people of Wisconsin. Now we desperately need a Legislature that is equally committed to taking decisive actions during a public health emergency. This shouldn’t be about politics, today’s special session is about trying to save people’s lives. “Voters want to postpone the April 7th election, and follow through on the Governor’s request to set up all-by-mail elections for the rest of this year. “Dr.

JANESVILLE, WISCONSIN—Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced religious nonprofits and religious organizations are eligible to receive federal coronavirus emergency assistance loans to help pay their employees, rent, and utilities. This week, Bryan Steil led a congressional effort to secure these loans for religious nonprofits and religious organizations.   “I am glad to see the U.S. Small Business Administration address my concerns. Religious nonprofit and religious organization workers are suffering from the economic fallout of coronavirus. These employees deserve to have the same access to federal assistance as other employees of small businesses. It is great that these workers can receive a paycheck

[Madison, WI] – Upon filing an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court, the Republican Party of Wisconsin issued the following statement from Chairman Andrew Hitt: “During the past couple of weeks, Democrats have repeatedly asked courts to change our election laws and created chaos in our democratic process. While the courts have repeatedly rejected nearly all of their demands, the district court in Wisconsin has allowed absentee ballots to be collected even past the April 7th election, which is a relief that the plaintiffs never even requested. We are grateful for the success we achieved at the Seventh Circuit Court

The Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA) has issued the following statement from WCA Executive Director Mark D. O’Connell on the Tuesday, April 7 election: “In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, our elected state leaders are faced with the difficult decision of whether to postpone the upcoming election or maintain the current April 7 schedule.  In recent weeks, WCA has expressed its preference that the election move forward given concerns associated with continuity of county government. Earlier this week, WCA petitioned a federal court to urge the election be held as scheduled.  While there are certainly challenges regarding the April 7,