Governor Evers Releases COVID-19 Bill

Governor Evers released a draft COVID-19 relief bill on Tuesday, November 17. It would provide approximately $541 million in state funding to address the pandemic.  This bill faces resistance in the Legislature, where Assembly Speaker Vos has said the bill spends too much state money and newly elected members of the Senate Republican leadership team have questioned the need for state funding. 

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) held a press conference after the Governor introduced his bill, during which he outlined a list of policy initiatives supported by Assembly Republicans. The list includes: building a  robust testing system, doubling the number of contact tracers, assisting the health care industry, vaccine distribution, unemployment insurance reform and addressing small business liability.

Newly elected Senate President Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield) told reporters on Tuesday that he doesn’t support increased funding for contact tracing and hasn’t seen many proposals that he supports.  He also stated that he believes Governor Evers is “fear mongering” when it comes to COVID-19.

Highlights of Governor Evers’ bill include: 

Education 

Educator Effectiveness Evaluations: Prohibits schools boards from considering student performance on statewide assessments as part of educator effectiveness evaluations. 

WRS Benefits for Rehired Teachers: Allows a Wisconsin Retirement System beneficiary to return to a WRS-covered position without suspending their WRS annuity if: they are hired for a “critical position” through December 31, 2021; they did not have an agreement to return to work in place before their retirement and at least 15 days have passed;  and they do not elect to become a WRS participating employee again when they are re-hired. The definition of “critical positions” will be determined by state agencies and local governments based on guidance by the Department of Health Services Secretary. 

Student Assessments: The various pupil assessments required by state law (Forward Exam, ACT, third grade reading test, reading readiness assessment, etc.)  do not to be taken during the 2020-21 school year. 

School and School District Accountability Reports: Prohibits the Department of Public Instruction from publishing a school and school district accountability report for the 2021-22 school year.

Labor Law 

Worker’s Compensation: For the purposes of worker’s compensation, assumes that an injury caused by COVID-19 to a “critical worker” is the result of their employment. This provision would remain in effect until December 31, 2021. The presumption requires a diagnosis of COVID-19 by a physician or positive test result, and may be rebutted by specific evidence that the injury was caused outside of employment. Under the bill,  the DHS Secretary determines which workers are considered critical workers.

Health and Insurance 

Funding for Public Health Efforts: Provides $63 million to support contact tracing, community testing, vaccinations and public awareness related to COVID-19. 

COVID-19 Testing and Surge Capacity: Provides $403 million for testing and surge capacity. The bill specifically directs the Department of Administration to facilitate COVID-19 testing throughout the state, operate alternate care facilities and facilitate surge staffing resources for health care facilities. 

Coverage of COVID-19 Costs Without Cost-Sharing: Requires health plans to provide coverage of testing for, diagnosis and treatment of, and administration of any vaccination developed to prevent COVID-19 without imposing any copayment or coinsurance. This requirement would be in place until December 31, 2021.