COVID-19 Wisconsin
State forecast points to slow improvements, sooner than expected
Wisconsin’s economy is faring better than expected in the aftermath of the shutdown of activity prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but it will still be two years before employment returns to pre-pandemic levels, according to the state’s latest forecast. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) report, issued Tuesday, indicated employment made a rebound in May, […]
Grants aim to shore-up businesses hit hardest by the pandemic
With one day left to go before applications close for a $75 million grant program targeting small businesses that were hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 19,000 business owners have applied for one of 30,000 grants offered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). The $2,500 grants are being offered to businesses with the […]
Evers meets with lawmakers to discuss issues raised by protests
Gov. Tony Evers met with legislators Thursday and says he hopes to do so again next week to discuss new legislation to address issues spotlighted in more than a week of protests nationwide against police brutality and systemic racism. Evers, speaking at a media briefing on the state’s efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, held […]
Landlord groups to apartment owners: Hit ‘pause’ on evictions
While a state moratorium on evictions ended two weeks ago, two apartment associations are urging landlords to hold off on expelling tenants who are behind on their rent as COVID-19 persists and with it record-high unemployment. “Our success as housing providers is dependent on the financial stability of both our tenants and the communities within […]
When being sick prompts fears of being fired
In late May, Mike Jackson collapsed on the job at Briggs & Stratton’s factory on Milwaukee’s Northwest Side. A few days later, on May 28, the 45-year-old father of eight died of COVID-19 after having worked for days or possibly weeks while he was ill with the deadly virus. “Prior to that, he had been […]
‘This cannot be who we are any longer’
The regular briefings state officials hold to update the media on Wisconsin’s battle with COVID-19 are usually a mix of earnest public health reminders and upbeat encouragement for state residents to keep up practices to help everyone stay safe and curb the spread of the viral illness that has put the world back on its […]
Before the COVID-19 crash, state’s job picture was mixed
Newly available data on Wisconsin jobs in the last quarter of 2019 paints a mixed picture, with growth in the state’s stronger regions and declines in parts that have long been struggling. The quarterly numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) are the most reliable measures of employment, according to labor economists, […]
State economic forecast portends a slow recovery after pandemic crash
Wisconsin’s economy and the nation’s are headed for a slow recovery that will take more than three years to approach pre-COVID-19 pandemic conditions, the state Department of Revenue projects in a new forecast. Personal income growth in the state will skid to just 0.2% in 2020, rebounding weakly to 1.6% in 2021, says the DOR […]
State offers $10M to local health clinics to help cover COVID-19 costs
Health clinics serving underserved parts of the state will get $10 million to help cover their costs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, the state Department of Health Services (DHS) announced Thursday. The funds come from Wisconsin’s allotment from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Recipients include rural and tribal health clinics, […]
COVID-19 cases still rising; communities get CARES funds
Wisconsin COVID-19 cases continue to rise, but so does testing, state officials said Wednesday. Meanwhile, Gov. Tony Evers announced $200 million in grants to local governments to deal with costs imposed as a result of the pandemic. The funds come from the state’s allotment under the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. […]
State rolls out directory of local businesses online
Wisconsin launched a new directory Tuesday listing small businesses that offer online service, as part of the state’s response to the business impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The portal has more than 230 companies included so far and was set up by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC) to guide shoppers seeking businesses offering online […]
Spring Green’s American Players Theatre cancels its Summer 2020 season
American Players Theatre is canceling its Summer 2020 season of plays because of continuing concern over the COVID-19 pandemic, the company announced Friday. “Right now we’d like nothing more than to be together and gather and take care of each other, but the only thing we can really do is stay apart to keep each […]