MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers Thursday delivered the Democratic Radio Address on the Evers Administration's continued support for Wisconsin's schools, educators, and students as the omicron variant spreads. Earlier this week, the governor joined the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) in a letter to all public, private, and independent charter schools detailing resources available by DHS and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to help in this effort.

Audio File of Radio Address.

Hello, Governor Tony Evers here.

We all want our kids to be safe and in the classroom. So, just as we have from the beginning of the pandemic, we're continuing to work to provide the necessary support and resources our kids, educators, and districts need to be healthy and safe.

We've been working with schools on a school-based testing program. This program received federal funding and provides free, safe, and flexible testing for teachers, staff, students, and their families.

Testing remains a critical component of slowing the spread of COVID-19. Regular testing can help support schools in making important decisions to protect the health and safety of those in their buildings, so we're encouraging schools to sign up to participate in the program.

We also know the best protection from getting seriously sick, being hospitalized, or dying from COVID-19 continues to be the safe, effective COVID-19 vaccines.

That's why we're also encouraging schools to host school-based vaccination and booster clinics with the help of DHS during drop-off and pick-up times.

All kids ages five and older are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, and the CDC recommends all kids ages 12 and older receive a booster five months after they receive their first vaccine series.

While kids generally experience less serious symptoms from COVID-19, hospitalizations among people under 18 are rising quickly and nearly all youth COVID-19 hospitalizations in Wisconsin and across the country are occurring among the unvaccinated.

Schools are uniquely positioned to help educate families about the benefits of the vaccine, as well as meet kids and parents where they are and in their own neighborhoods.

For the last two years, parents and educators have gone above and beyond to do everything they can to make sure our kids are caught up and in the classroom, and we will continue to support them in their efforts in any way we can—just as we have since day one.

Let's keep working together to make sure our kids, our educators, and our communities stay healthy and safe.

Thank you.

While Wisconsin hospitals reach maximum capacity, GOP leaders hold public hearings on bills that spread misinformation, says Senator.

MADISON - Wednesday, the GOP Committee on Health Chair held public hearings on a slate of bills that would limit private business ability to stop the spread of COVID-19 within their place of business.

Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison) released the following statement:

“As we near the two year mark of the COVID-19 pandemic and cases are skyrocketing, Republicans are still promoting and peddling misinformation that contradicts scientists and medical professionals. We, as a state, have to do better in order to best protect ourselves and those who are most vulnerable in our communities.

“The testimony being heard today in the Senate Committee on Health is dangerous and continues to perpetuate false narratives about COVID. Our neighbors and loved ones are dying. We need to put the falsehoods to bed and listen to our medical experts to best protect ourselves, our neighbors, and our medical professionals.

“What we should be doing is providing our communities and healthcare professionals the necessary tools to stop this surge of COVID cases. We should be respecting Wisconsin businesses who are trying to keep their employees and communities safe. We should be properly thanking our healthcare heroes by passing the bill introduced by Representative Vining, Senator Erpenbach, myself, and many other Democratic colleagues today to honor their sacrifices throughout this pandemic.

“Let’s lift up our healthcare workers, scientists, and medical professionals by passing common sense legislation that supports them and the heroic work they have been doing for nearly two years.”