The Wisconsin State Senate has now put it on the Assembly to approve their COVID-19 relief bill after passing an amended version Tuesday afternoon. The bill includes legal protections for businesses, extending the hours of the state unemployment office, and requiring state health plans to cover COVID-19 vaccinations for lower-income individuals. First District State Senator Andre Jacque says while it does not cover everything they would have liked, it advances the legislation.
Some Assembly Republicans have already voiced their displeasure with the pared-down version of their bill. Rep John Macco of Green Bay post on Facebook he would not support a bill "that doesn't protect churches, our right to worship or protect against mandatory vaccines." Jacque understands his frustrations and hopes to work with Macco and other members of the Assembly and Senate to address those concerns.
Even though it was not the compromise he had hoped for, Governor Tony Evers signaled his support for the Senate bill and urged the Assembly to do the same.