Many remain in limbo after Wisconsin said laid-off workers on federal disability may qualify for pandemic relief. One woman finally succeeded — after 32 emails.
Category: Outbreak Wisconsin
This collaborative series, in partnership with Wisconsin Public Radio, chronicles a variety of Wisconsin residents as they navigate life during the coronavirus pandemic — exposing failing systems and exploring solutions along the way.
Posted inEconomy, Outbreak Wisconsin
It does feel a little bit like ‘Groundhog’s Day’ — Dairy farmer Bryan Voegeli fears what an outbreak could mean for his farm
Day-to-day life hasn’t changed much on Bryan Voegeli’s dairy farm since the start of the pandemic, but that doesn’t keep him from worrying about what an outbreak could mean for his business.
Posted inHealth & Welfare, Justice & Safety, Outbreak Wisconsin
‘The people just want to be heard’: A Milwaukee mother and son discuss racial justice and education during the pandemic.
During the pandemic Adija Greer-Smith has struggled to keep her bakery business alive. Now, her oldest son Xavier helps out, and their morning car rides together are a classroom for life lessons.
Posted inGovernment, Health & Welfare, Lives on Hold, Outbreak Wisconsin
Following denials, laid-off Wisconsin workers with disabilities now eligible for federal pandemic aid
Federal government gives Wisconsin its blessing to reverse a policy that had blocked assistance to jobless workers receiving disability aid.
Posted inCoronavirus Coverage, Government, Health & Welfare, Outbreak Wisconsin
‘It doesn’t look like there’s an end in sight to this’: Pandemic drags on as $600 unemployment lifeline nears expiration
Amy Moreland, a Madison bartender out of work since mid-March, has been forced to make tough decisions about money as her benefits from the federal CARES Act near expiration.
Posted inCoronavirus Coverage, Health & Welfare, Outbreak Wisconsin
‘Conflict of emotions’: ER nurse reflects on death, mourning and rites of passage in the COVID era
As an emergency department nurse, Mariah Clark is no stranger to dealing with COVID-19 at work. But in late June, the virus struck closer to home.
Posted inEconomy, Outbreak Wisconsin
Milwaukee baker Adija Greer-Smith slowly reopens her business. ‘I’m a baker that believes positive energy transfers into everything that you do.’
After nearly three months without sales, Greer-Smith is once again baking, getting ready to greet customers and bringing back staff.
Posted inOutbreak Wisconsin
‘What if this is to be my last summer on Earth?’ Confined by lockdown, Beverly Blietz decides to move out.
Former recreational pilot, Uber driver, art gallery docent and community volunteer, 85-year-old Blietz found herself involuntarily locked down in her senior living facility when the pandemic hit.
Posted inCoronavirus Coverage, Government, Lives on Hold, Outbreak Wisconsin
Lives on hold: Pandemic exposes failures of Wisconsin unemployment insurance system
Wisconsin has failed to deliver unemployment aid to thousands at a time when they most need it. The crisis was years in the making.
Posted inCoronavirus Coverage, Government, Lives on Hold, Outbreak Wisconsin
Reversing course: Wisconsin seeks federal OK to aid the unemployed with disabilities
Wisconsin has denied federal pandemic aid to workers on federal disability who lost their jobs. The state’s top employment official now seeks a reversal.
Posted inCoronavirus Coverage, Government, Outbreak Wisconsin
Introducing Jessica Barrera: A single mom reflects on returning to work during the pandemic
The 40-year-old single mother shares a $900 per-month apartment with her 10-year-old son Niko. She lost her job due to the pandemic, and was denied an unemployment insurance claim because she also receives federal disability benefits.
Posted inCoronavirus Coverage, Outbreak Wisconsin
Introducing 85-year-old Beverly Blietz: ‘I grieve for the time that’s being wasted’
Last summer Blietz spent her spare time driving for Uber in northern Wisconsin. This summer she found her movements restricted due to the rules of the independent living facility where she lives in Sister Bay, Wis.