You may have thought that with Wisconsin re-opened, and fewer people requiring unemployment payments, the backlog and problems at Governor Evers’ unemployment agency would be over.
 
You’d be wrong.
 
Audit Shows Noncompliance with Federal Law
 
On Friday, the Legislative Audit Bureau released an audit showing that the Evers Administration failed to comply with federal regulations to address appeals of unemployment decisions in a timely manner. The federal government requires appeal decisions within 45 days 80% of the time. Wisconsin met that time frame only 17.5% of the time, with an average time nearly 50% longer than allowed – over two months of waiting!
 
Tens of Thousands Awaiting Decisions
 
According to the Department of Workforce Development’s own webpage, over 8,000 unemployed workers are still awaiting their “adjudication” decisions – almost 3,000 haven’t even been scheduled!
 
And Appeals are even worse. An average appeal takes 58 days before it’s heard. This isn’t good news for the 17,000 people appealing their decision, 13,000 of which haven’t even been scheduled!
 
It’s been 17 months since Governor Evers shuttered the state, putting thousands of people out of work. And 25,000 people STILL haven’t gotten a final decision.
 
Unbelievable incompetence.

 
I’m sure you’ve seen the recent news stories about employers requiring their workers to be vaccinated against COVID as a condition of employment. I wanted to share my thoughts on the subject.
 
Earlier this year, the Legislature passed a ban on employer-mandated COVID vaccinations as part of our COVID bill. Unfortunately, Governor Evers vetoed that bill. Governor Evers also vetoed the bill which would have prohibited a government agency from requiring COVID vaccination. It’s important to remember that the COVID vaccines are authorized under an “Emergency Use” exemption.
 
Under federal law, you generally have the right to refuse a mandated vaccine for “a medical" (American with Disabilities Act) reason or a “sincerely held religious belief.”
 
Although have received the COVID vaccine, it’s important that you make your own decision. If you are concerned about getting the vaccine, talk to your doctor, your church leaders and those you trust.

A couple of kids from Burlington decided to sell lemonade for a cause. On July 22nd, Oliver Erickson (age 7) and Kolston Blake (age 6) held a lemonade stand to help raise money for their Vacation Bible School's community service project, which was to purchase protective vests for chaplains serving the Lake Geneva Police Department. Oliver and Blake raised more than $600 in two hours. Keep up the great work!

 

The 100th Annual Kenosha County Fair will be held Wednesday, August 18th through Sunday, August 22nd. After being canceled last year, they are back to celebrate their Centennial Celebration! 

For information on events and shows, admission prices or download a fair map: Click Here.

Racine County Fair 2021 (Photo right to left: Racine County Clerk of Courts Sam Christensen, Representative Robert Wittke, Representative Robin Vos, Former Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch, Lisa Bell, and myself.)



August 3rd was the 30th consecutive National Night Out: Racine Neighborhood Watch in Racine. I ran into Racine Deputy Chief Richard Toeller and Racine Fire Department Chief Steve Hansen (above) and Congressman Bryan Steil and Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave (below). 

For more information about the Racine Neighborhood Watch: Click Here.