Retiring Republican deserves our thanks

The crisis continues at a deadly pace, but the state of Wisconsin’s response continues at a snail’s pace. It has been more than 230 days since the full legislature last met. Governor Evers has urged the legislature to come back to work, and there was some reason for optimism when leaders of the Assembly vowed to consider the Governor’s proposals for dealing with the virus and its economic fallout. That was quickly dashed when leaders of the Wisconsin Senate vowed not to return to work at least until January. So much for the urgency this virus requires. Leaders of the Assembly have put together a 23 page wish list for dealing with Covid, but it is more of a political power grab than a pandemic response. For example, it would take away the Governor’s power to direct the spending of federal coronavirus relief and put in the hands of the legislature. It would restrict local health departments ability to impose capacity restrictions on businesses. It would prohibit limits on gatherings at churches. It would force nursing homes to allow visitors, even though residents there are among the most vulnerable. It would make it harder for Wisconsin schools to provide instruction virtually. These ideas are not ones which would help us stay safe from the virus, which has already claimed more than 3700 lives in Wisconsin. How we respond today will determine how quickly things can get back to normal. Even if that response is more than 230 days late.