FAITHFUL ADVOCACY FOR A HEALTHY WISCONSIN ACTION ALERT

Background:
As people of faith, dedicated to protecting life and caring for those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recession, we are deeply concerned about the continued spread of the virus and the resulting economic hardship on the most vulnerable among us. 

Along with the health care organizations in the “STOP the COVID SPREAD” campaign[1], we are grateful to Speaker Robin Vos and Congressman Mark Pocan for coming together to encourage all people to follow the guidelines for physical distancing, hand washing, and wearing masks.  This is an encouraging step, but more needs to be done. A coalition of faith leaders and faith-based organizations have come together to plan a series of lobby visits during the week of December 13th to key legislators in leadership positions in the 2021 session. Please help us amplify our voices by taking action with your legislator.

Action:
The week of December 13, please call, email, tweet, or write a letter to your legislator to urge them to take action to stem the spread of COVID-19 and address the economic impact.
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From all elected officials on both sides of the aisle, we want one clear public message: “Stop the COVID Spread.” Beyond messages, we want to see bipartisan efforts that are aimed at stopping the spread of the disease.  Specifically:

1. We call for hazard pay and paid sick leave for health care providers, improved equipment and PPE gear, as well as additional testing supplies. These people have been doing an extraordinary job under nearly impossible circumstances and are reaching the breaking point. Wisconsin must make their well-being a number one priority!

 

1. We ask for increased funding and support to local governments and municipalities to expand testing and contact tracing, provide food and housing security, and provide free COVID-19 testing and treatment.

 

1. Wisconsinites continue to struggle through a deepening recession and pandemic. The state must make access to unemployment benefits easier and expand eligibility for unemployment benefits. Not only will expanded benefits assist families desperately in need, but it will also boost the economy as people become able to shop for necessities and pay bills.

 

1. Action is needed to stop the spread of the virus as well as respond to its health and economic impacts. Therefore, we urge the legislature to refrain from prohibiting DHS or local health departments from making determinations regarding closing or limiting capacity of schools, businesses, house of worship and other public accommodations. These measures would only serve to increase the spread of the virus.

 

1. Instead, Wisconsin needs a statewide mandate on masks. That is the one simple measure which we know is effective in slowing the spread of the virus.

 
To find your legislator and their contact information, go to https://legis.wisconsin.gov/.
You can also send a message directly through our friends at the Wisconsin Council of Churches here.
 
 
 


[1]https://www.wha.org/stopthecovidspread#:~:text=%E2%80%9CStop%20the%20Covid%20Spread!%E2%80%9D,safely%20participate%20in%20Wisconsin's%20economy