Senator Bewley: Smoke And Mirrors: The Republican’s 'Year Of Nothing'

Press Release

MADISON -- This week marks a year since the Wisconsin Legislature has acted to bring any meaningful relief to help our state bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, it has been a year of smoke and mirrors – the “Year of Nothing.”

Republicans continue to deny, delay and do nothing to get Wisconsinites what they really need and want. The Governor’s plan for federal COVID-19 relief funds enjoys wide public support and addresses the needs of individuals, families, and businesses around the state. The Governor has been leading, and the best the Republicans can do is nip at his heels. The bills that passed today are illegal, and could cost Wisconsin families even more than the millions of dollars already at risk due to their lawsuit and removal of the state emergency order.

Thankfully, Governor Evers continues to put people over politics and is listening to what people across our state need and want. Investing millions into broadband expansion, small business recovery, BadgerCare expansion and more, the Governor is addressing these items in his plan for the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding coming to our state, as well as in his Badger BounceBack budget proposals for the 2021-2023 biennium.

For over a year, Governor Evers has made attempts to work with Republican Legislators on coming to an agreement on COVID legislation and a way forward for our State. His efforts have been met with political games and nothing has been accomplished. The Republicans should be embarrassed at dangling false hopes in front of struggling Wisconsinites. But the people of Wisconsin have pulled together through this pandemic. Through loss, hardship and mental strain, we have taken care of each other - it’s now time for the Republicans to do the same. Wisconsin families deserve better!