LETTER: Cynical politicians squandering gains made in Covid-19 fight

To Ozaukee Press:

After our sacrifices over the last months, it seems we have mitigated the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. With the heroic efforts of front-line medical workers and first responders, the massive mobilization of scientific medical research and innovation, we have saved, and will save, millions of lives.

If we have flattened the curve, we should be consolidating our gains and turning to address the damage that has been inflicted on our economy. Instead, some political actors are promoting a cynical, divisive campaign to “reopen now” and “liberate” states from emergency public health orders. Their actions may cost us all dearly.

Wisconsin’s Republican lawmakers are heavily indulging in this nonsense, and have repeatedly wasted precious time and taxpayer resources. Their recent foot-dragging on unemployment insurance legislation has cost us $25 million in federal funds. Which is a pittance compared to the $1.3 billion we are losing in the current budget cycle because our state GOP (in contrast to Republicans in other states) has refused to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.

Until recently, they were spending our tax money on a lawsuit aimed at destroying the ACA altogether, including its protections for people with pre-existing conditions. They have also sued to defend rigged maps and make sure voters had to risk exposure to the virus in the spring election.

Now, they have succeeded in getting the Walker appointees on the state Supreme Court to immediately end Gov. Evers’ Safer at Home order. With nothing in its place. Note that, if they had a better plan, or any constructive changes to make, the Legislature already had the power to rescind the order or to change the law. But it’s easier to litigate than legislate. We deserve better. Please vote them out this November.

Peter Eisenhauer
Cedarburg