Wisconsin Senate GOP introduces its own COVID-19 response bill
Wisconsin Senate GOP introduces its own COVID-19 response bill
A Wisconsin Senate committee passed on Monday afternoon, Jan. 11 an amendment to the state's COVID-19 relief bill -- as the Republican-controlled legislature tried to fast-track the bill despite months of inaction since the beginning of the pandemic.
MADISON, Wis. - A Wisconsin Senate committee passed on Monday afternoon, Jan. 11 an amendment to the state's COVID-19 relief bill -- as the Republican-controlled legislature tried to fast-track the bill despite months of inaction since the beginning of the pandemic.
This action comes a week after the Assembly passed its COVID-19 bill -- one opposed by both Senate Republicans and Democratic Gov. Tony Evers.
Wisconsin Capitol in Madison
The same bill must pass both the Senate and Assembly and be signed by Evers before becoming law. Evers has voiced opposition to the Assembly bill and while he had no immediate reaction to the Senate version, it contains provisions he opposes like limiting liability for COVID-19 claims against businesses, schools, governments and health care providers.
Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu said his ultimate goal is to get kids safety back to school -- and public employees back in buildings.
"If there’s a way we can get a bill done to help keep our state address these issues that are at hand, and find a bill we can all get behind, that’s what we really need to do as a body," LeMahieu said.
"We are not asking for blanket immunity," said Rolf Wegenke of the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.
Much of Monday's testimony focused on limiting COVID-19 liability for businesses, government, health care, and schools.
"Open-ended costs we could face without liability protections could sink a college," Wegenke said.
"You’ve heard testimony there’s frivolous lawsuits. If there’s frivolous lawsuits in Wisconsin, lawyers can be sued, I lose my license," said Jay Urban, President of the Wisconsin Association for Justice.
The Senate version removes Assembly bill elements opposed by Democrats, such as prohibiting vaccine mandates by employers. Others asked for more financial assistance.
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"Off script, all we want at the end of the day is do what we do best, which is serve you guys. And we’ve got the light at the end of the tunnel. And we’re so close. And what I really want to see you guys passing is legislation to help us get through this, so that at the end we can all open up safely," said Dave Heide, Madison restauranteur and chef.
The Senate's amendment goes to the Senate floor on Tuesday, hours before Gov Evers is set to hold his State of the State address in the evening. It is unclear where the legislation now stands. Messages left for the governor as well as Assembly Speaker Robin Vos were not returned.
Associated Press contributed to this post.
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