Representative Deb Andraca’s Statement on Inauguration Day

Today is Inauguration Day and the first day of the 2021-2022 Wisconsin Legislative Session. The Republican Majority held an in-person ceremonial event where many people gathered indoors without masks. Democrats requested, and were denied, basic COVID-19 safety precautions, and so last week I took the oath of office via Zoom.

Today I was at the Capitol, but I did not attend the inauguration ceremony. Instead of celebrating, I was working on a COVID-19 response package and setting up my office to serve my constituents — because that’s what I was elected to do.

Since the start of the pandemic so many of us have missed or postponed important milestones such as weddings, birthdays, and funerals for loved ones. We do not do this lightly. As of today 4,875 Wisconsinites have died, and thousands more have been sickened by COVID-19. With vaccinations underway, we must stay vigilant for just a short time longer to avoid unnecessary illnesses and deaths.

Holding an in-person ceremony when it could be virtual is reckless and it endangers the health of all the workers in the Capitol who do not have the option of working remotely. Ceremonies can wait until we are vaccinated and can gather together safely. Today I am focused on what matters to my constituents.

 

Deb Andraca was elected in November 2020 and represents Wisconsin’s 23rd assembly district, which includes the Bayside, Fox Point, Grafton, Mequon, Thiensville, and Whitefish Bay. For more information visit @RepAndraca on Facebook or Twitter. Official legislative pages in development.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.