Press Release: Gov. Evers Provides Update on More than $4.5 Billion in Pandemic Relief and Recovery Investments

State of Wisconsin sent this bulletin at 02/02/2022 10:21 AM CST
Office of Governor Tony Evers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 2, 2022
Contact: GovPress@wisconsin.gov 
 
Gov. Evers Provides Update on More than $4.5 Billion in Pandemic Relief and Recovery Investments
 
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today shared the latest update of more than $4.5 billion in investments made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure Wisconsin’s continued economic recovery.

“We’ve made critically important investments to put our state in the best position to ensure a strong economic recovery, and now Wisconsin has the lowest unemployment rate in state history and the fewest number of people unemployed ever,” said Gov. Evers. “Wisconsin families, farmers, businesses, industries, and communities have benefited from these investments in every corner of our state, and even as we continue to ensure the state has resources to continue responding to the pandemic, we’ll keep working to get help to folks who need support now.”

Overall, Gov. Evers has committed more than $1.3 billion to supporting Wisconsin’s economic recovery and resilience, including support for the state’s workforce, businesses, farmers, and tourism and lodging industries, among other critical industries. More than $2.77 billion has already been expended or obligated for emergency response and public health efforts, economic support initiatives, and direct support for Wisconsin residents, businesses, and communities. Nearly $173 million remains in a pandemic response and recovery reserve to ensure the state has ample resources to respond to ongoing healthcare and workforce issues related to the coronavirus pandemic and the Omicron variant.

As of December 31, 2021, the Evers Administration has outlined planned allocations of $4.5 billion in total from the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) and State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF), parts of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), respectively. In addition, Wisconsin has received $53 million in reimbursement for pandemic response under FEMA Public Assistance.

The Evers Administration continues to provide transparent and regular updates on federal pandemic aid investments across the state, including regular reports to the U.S. Department of the Treasury on expenditures and program outcomes. A summary of Gov. Evers' federal aid programs and investments is available here.

Wisconsinites can visit BadgerBounceback.wi.gov to view pandemic-related assistance information for families, farmers, businesses, organizations, and communities, as well as the latest data and success stories about how COVID-relief investments are making a difference across the state. For updates on other recovery-related grant opportunities, sign up for the Badger Bounceback update list.
 
###