Hi friend,

I hope you and your family are staying safe and healthy. It’s been a busy time for me, here’s an update on what I’ve been working on.

Recent Highlights

In a town hall hosted by Wisconsin's Black Legislative Caucus, I touched on the underlying challenges communities face during the pandemic.

I highlighted the need for testing supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) in our communities with Opportunity Wisconsin and Black Leaders Organizing for Communities (BLOC).

I joined a terrific panel on AM Joy where we discussed the importance of the USPS to my district and the country, and why stay-at-home order protests happening across the country including Wisconsin, remain problematic.

Legislative Updates 

I want to ensure that hasty deadlines do not cause individuals to miss out on additional relief. I wrote a letter to the Treasury Secretary and SSA Commissioner calling for an extended deadline for SSI recipients to register to receive payments for any dependents, provide flexibility for all SSA beneficiaries with dependents who miss these hasty deadlines and a major improvement in their communications to reach our diverse communities.

As rates of COVID-19 have spiked at in the Smithfield/Patrick Cudahy plant, I raised concerns about their working conditions and called for a thorough investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Five family members were tragically lost to domestic violence in Milwaukee. We need to ensure that there's adequate funding for services that reach survivors as rates of domestic violence increase during COVID-19. I proudly supported the passage of the CARES Act, which included $45 million in funding to support survivors, including temporary housing services through the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA). I am working with my colleagues to secure more funding in the next major COVID-19 relief package. 

I joined a letter with my colleagues supporting reoccurring payments to provide more relief as unemployment rates continue to spike and Americans continue to feel economic pain.

I proudly supported a provision in the CARES Act to give the USDA more flexibility to reach those most in need through SNAP. Now, I'm joining an effort led by Rep. Alma Adams calling for an extension for SNAP waivers to continue helping Americans during these tough times.

I am still pushing for Wisconsin to receive the personal protective equipment (PPE) and other COVID-19 supplies that our hospitals, health care workers, and our residents desperately need.

I touched on the importance of providing more funding for state and local governments in the next coronavirus package.