Representative Rob Swearingen of Rhinelander is keeping a close eye on court proceedings and on-going negotiations in Madison to determine when Wisconsin will reopen again.
Swearingen chairs the Assembly Committee On State Affairs which held a meeting last week to present a plan proposed by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce. The plan uses a phased approach to enable businesses to get back to full operation. It has drawn criticism from people who view it as too soon to be at that point, while supporters say much of Wisconsin has not felt major COVID-19 effects and can be reopened.
Swearingen says he was impressed by the testimony of people whose businesses have been affected by Safer At Home.
Republican Swearingen says the hearing was held as a way toward negotiating a time for the state to reopen..
"The testimony provided by many of the groups, WMC, the Tavern League, the Restaurant Association and, most importantly, Missy Hughes from Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation there on behalf of the Governor's administration. As of today, both sides have agreed to come together and talk..."
Swearingen says he hopes there could be a compromise between the WMC plan and Governor Evers' Badger Bounce Back plan. Swearingen thinks something could be agreed on within the next several days, but he admits the sides are still far apart on a final deal.
Safer at Home order will remain in effect until Tuesday, May 26, or until a superseding order is issued. Gov. Evers has relaxed restrictions on some state and private organizations and functions.
