Governor announces nearly $2 Billion invested in Wisconsin communities in response to COVID-19 pandemic
As the state nears end-of-year fiscal cliff, last week the Evers Administration provided update on investments assisting restaurants, small business owners, families, healthcare workers, among others
In a press release dated Dec. 15, Gov. Tony Evers provided an updated accounting of federal funds invested in public health, emergency response efforts, and economic stabilization in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds were allocated by the Evers Administration from the state’s Coronavirus Relief Fund, which was made available to Wisconsin through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
According to the press release, as of that date, nearly $2 billion in federal funds had been invested in emergency response efforts, public health measures, and economic support initiatives for Wisconsin residents, businesses, and communities. As of Dec. 4, 2020, the state had expended $949.1 million and obligated an additional $414.3 million. An additional $635.9 million in funds was committed for distribution by the end of December. Roughly $900,000 remained reserved to ensure the state continues to have the flexibility to respond to emerging needs. Allocations continue to be updated to reflect re-estimates based on actual cost information. Under the CARES Act, these federal CRF dollars must be expended by Dec. 30, 2020, and may not be carried over into the new year, leaving Wisconsin and other states facing a significant cliff in available funding.