The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted and exacerbated existing problems facing Wisconsinâs small businesses that the state government should work on solving, a group of business owners told Gov. Tony Evers Tuesday.
In an online discussion moderated by Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. Secretary Missy Hughes, about 10 business owners spoke about their struggles through the pandemic and pointed to aspects of Eversâ proposed budget they say could help them recover.
Major items to boost the stateâs economic recovery include $200 million to support small businesses through WEDC, $200 million to build out broadband internet infrastructure in rural parts of the state, $100 million for a venture capital fund to support Wisconsinâs startups, and a Medicaid expansion, which could draw $1.6 billion in additional federal funding.
Jasmine Banks
Jasmine Banks is the executive director of UnKoch My Campus, a national organization dedicated to pulling back the curtain on dark money donations and their impact on higher education.
Articles by Jasmine Banks
Entomologist
Akito Kawahara says, We can’t live without insects. They’re in trouble. And there’s something all of us can do to help.
Kawahara’s research has primarily focused on answering fundamental questions about moth and butterfly evolution, according to a news release from the Florida Museum of Natural History. Kawahara is increasingly haunted by studies that sound the alarm about plummeting insect numbers and diversity.
While scientists differ on the severity of the problem, many findings point to a general downward trend, with one study estimating 40% of insect species are vulnerable to extinction. In response, Kawahara has turned his attention to boosting people’s appreciation for some of the world’s most misunderstood animals.