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Wisconsin’s moratorium on utility shutoffs is set to expire on April 15, leaving an estimated 93,000 homes and 4,000 businesses statewide at risk of disconnection. The expiring moratorium offered a reprieve to struggling residents throughout much of the COVID-19 pandemic.
What are folks behind on their payments to do now? Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service reporter Matt Martinez offers tips and resources for residents of Milwaukee and statewide. Utility officials recommend first trying to negotiate a payment plan with utility providers. If that doesn’t work, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin might facilitate those negotiations, Martinez reports. The PSC’s consumer affairs team can be reached at 1-800-225-7729.
Wisconsinites can also apply for state energy assistance here.
Top Stories
The moratorium on utility shut-offs ends on April 15. Here’s what you need to know. — Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Mobile vaccinators making inroads in Madison’s vulnerable communities — Cap Times
Wisconsin GOP plans for latest federal relief money may not be allowed — WPR
With feet on the ground, local groups are spreading the word on the COVID-19 vaccine — Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
People should not have to show ID to get COVID-19 vaccine, top Wisconsin health official says — Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Here’s a list of places to get the COVID-19 vaccine in Milwaukee — Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
In the COVID-19 vaccine push, no one is speaking Gen Z’s language — STAT
Public event recommendations added to county’s Kickstart Plan in battle against COVID — Kenosha News
UW students who get vaccinated will be exempt from COVID-19 testing requirements — WPR
Pressure mounts on Gretchen Whitmer to tighten Michigan COVID limits — Bridge Michigan
Upper Midwest Covid-19 surge may signal problems ahead for U.S. — New York Times
What are we missing? And how are you coping? Help us provide critical information and accountability by filling out this form or emailing us at tips@wisconsinwatch.org.
Quotable
“This is not people not wanting to pay their bills. … This is people just trying to survive, and it’s set up for them to fail. This is people just trying to keep their lights on.”
Dana Kelley, health care equity co-op coordinator at Citizen Action of Wisconsin and civic engagement organizer at North Side Rising, speaking to Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service about the looming expiration of Wisconsin’s moratorium on utility shutoffs
Data to note
Here’s a look at the Department of Health Services’ vaccine dashboard, which showed Thursday that 77.5% of Wisconsinites ages 65 and older have gotten at least one dose — as have 35% of the state’s overall population. Some 21.9% of Wisconsinites are fully vaccinated. Racial disparities persist in distributing vaccines. The shares of Black, Hispanic and Native American residents to receive a dose remain below that of white residents.
Public health officials continue to urge Wisconsinites to wear masks and practice physical distancing until vaccinations are more widely distributed. On Thursday, the state DHS reported 1,046 new cases. The state also reported 14 new COVID-19 deaths, pushing the full toll to 6,667.
WisContext offers this visualization.
Find a vaccine site near you
DHS has this interactive map of vaccine providers across Wisconsin. Vaccinations are generally by appointment only and it may take time to schedule appointments with providers due to limited supplies of vaccines. Curious about how well your county is doing on vaccinations? The Washington Post created this searchable map.
Resilient Wisconsin
People helping others and showing resilience during this time of anxiety. Send suggestions by tagging us on social media — @wisconsinwatch — or emailing us: tips@wisconsinwatch.org.
Wisconsin business owners say federal stimulus can help them build post-pandemic futures — WPR
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