As COVID-19 continues its presence in Wisconsin, the best thing we can do is to stay informed on the situation. The Wisconsin Emergency Management Agency recently shared the following resources for Wisconsinites to consult during this time:

• To view the spread of COVID-19 throughout Wisconsin, check out the Wisconsin Department of Health’s tracker, which breaks down the number of COVID-19 cases by county.
• To better understand Wisconsin’s child care setting order, K-12 school closure order and mass gathering order, please click here.
• For information on child care and child welfare, please click here.
• For information on K-12 school closures, along with resources for teachers and administrators, please click  here.
• Find the latest information on State Universities by clicking here and State Technical Colleges by clicking here.
• Click here for general information on Wisconsin businesses.
• If you are a farmer, retailer, restaurant owner or for resources to avoid scams, please visit the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s website.
• To access emergency internet resources and utility service help, click here.
• For DMV online services and other transportation needs, please visit the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s website.
• For resources on filing your taxes, please click here.
• Click here for information on lenders or if you are in need of a notary.

One of my top priorities in Congress is to take care of the people who have fought for our freedom: America's veterans. The Veteran’s Administration (VA) is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other federal agencies to stay apprised of the number of veterans affected by COVID-19 and devise a plan to treat and prevent future cases. Please visit www.va.gov/coronavirus for more information on what the VA is doing to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

If you are a veteran experiencing symptoms such as a cough, fever or shortness of breath, please contact your closest VA facility. Alternatively, veterans may visit My HealtheVet to use the VA’s telehealth options to receive a diagnosis. 

Veterans, thank you for your service. Please know that we in Congress are thinking of you and are working to make sure you have the best resources available to combat COVID-19.

During these uncertain times, please know that I have been in constant communication with the public and private sector on all levels to communicate the best practices to slow the spread of COVID-19 and assess the relief our communities need.

Earlier this month, I led a bipartisan letter to Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Jovita Carranza with several of my colleagues in the Wisconsin delegation expressing support for Governor Evers’ request for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. With businesses in Wisconsin temporarily closing their doors and individuals self-quarantining, it is important that we provide the necessary assistance to the backbone of Wisconsin’s economy, our small businesses.

Click here to view the full letter.

Last Saturday, I received email confirmation with a press release and fact sheet announcing that SBA will be offering these loans to small businesses, as I requested in my letter.

During this period where we must be especially mindful of the strain on local businesses and the need to support them, this is a big win for small businesses in Wisconsin.

Please feel free to forward this message to any small business owner in your area that is in need of relief.

Ways for businesses to apply:
https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela
(800) 659-2955
disastercustomerservice@sba.gov

SBA’s Tips for businesses seeking to apply:

• Due to high demand, consider applying between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. for best results.
• Print and fill out the application by hand prior to submitting it online. Since the system is overloaded with applicants, it will be helpful to have the information available to reduce the likelihood of the system timing out while you are applying.
• Save your work continuously as you apply.
• Write down your login and password, as you will need to use this information throughout the application and approval process.
• The sooner you apply, the sooner you will be approved because the SBA is operating on a first in, first out system. Some loans have already been approved, and the longer you wait to apply, the less likely it is that you will receive a loan.

Additionally, the department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have put this website together to provide information ranging from:

• Vetted non-profits who are fighting COVID-19.
• How individuals can volunteer.
• How businesses can re-tool to produce items facing shortages.