Wisconsin's federal funds for COVID-19 tests expire Dec. 31

WISN - Medical experts believe a key to stopping the spread of the coronavirus is testing.

But Gov. Tony Evers and other lawmakers are warning the federal funds to pay for tests are about to run out.

Coronavirus relief bill money expires on Dec. 31.

Without Congress appropriating more money, individual states will be forced to pick up the tab.

Thousands of free tests are administered daily at Miller Park.

Wisconsin has the capacity to conduct 59,000 tests each day.

But the results of fewer than 17,500 tests were reported Wednesday.

In a Tuesday evening address, Evers urged Wisconsinites to stay home to help slow the spread of the virus and contact their representatives to help states get more money.

"The federal CARES dollars we received earlier this year expire on Dec. 31," he said. "That means unless we get additional support from Congress, our state will have to foot the bill."

Wisconsin's $1 billion was used for testing, contact tracing and personal protective equipment, among other things.

"Please contact your congressperson and ask them to provide additional support and resources for our state's response to this virus," Evers said.

U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore said she considered herself called after hearing the address.

"I have one vote in the House of Representatives and I have done my part to do it," she said. "I mean, the issue is right now, I'm calling on residents to call (Sen.) Ron Johnson."

His spokesperson said Johnson was not available to comment Wednesday.

State Rep. Robin Vos said if federal dollars run out, the state will pay for testing.

"Luckily, we have a strong rainy day fund," he said. "We had a very good balanced budget that happened in the last session, so our economy continues to grow, so if we have to invest state dollars, of course we will."

Moore cautioned that states like Wisconsin may not be able to afford the added expense.

Sen. Tammy Baldwin's office responded with a statement saying in part, "Baldwin supports legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last month to provide $75 billion for testing and tracing."

The statement goes on to say funding has been opposed by Republicans in the House and Senate.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he wants legislation passed before the end of the year, but it may not happen until January 2021.