Rep. Allen released the following statement on Safer at Home Emergency Order #12:

Today, the Evers Administration released Emergency Order 12, ostensibly to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  All levels of government remain committed to keeping our friends, neighbors, and loved ones safe from this illness.

During times of crisis, it is important for leaders to over-communicate, so people know what to expect.  There remain a lot of unknowns and unanswered questions.

Unfortunately, Gov. Evers has not shown transparency and forthrightness with legislative leaders and even within his own Administration.  Until the Order was issued today, there was no clarity as to Gov. Evers intent.

Furthermore, Gov. Evers was not consistent with his own statements.  Throughout the weekend, as rumors were growing that Gov. Evers was preparing to place Wisconsin on lockdown, both he and members of his administration denied the rumors.  They said repeatedly there were no plans, and no plans would be created unless something changed.  The Order is a complete reversal.  What changed?  What information is he seeing?

I am in constant communications with legislative leaders.  We are doing our best to make decisions based on gathering accurate information.  While none of us like our present circumstances we are carefully measuring our actions and erring on the side of public safety.

In a state of emergency we all have responsibilities, and we should be clear about those.

Responsible people will not overreact and hoard supplies.  We will respect physical distances of six feet or more for the comfort of others around us.  We will do our best to comply with the spirit of the order for the benefit of all.

Business owners and organizational leaders are encouraged to read the executive order carefully and consult with legal counsel for clarification if in doubt.

Everyone should seek federal and/or state assistance to the extent that they may be eligible whether that is unemployment insurance, food share assistance, or small business loans.  My office is ready to search for answers to your questions and connect you to appropriate offices.

Above all I encourage everyone to pray.  We have big battles in front of us:  public health, the economy, faith, community.  We also have private battles that we will need to fight every day.  I pray that each of us can be beacons of light in the lives of those around us.

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