Legislators urge people to stay home

Alexis Barker
NLJ News Editor
 
As we move into the third week of closures and social distancing guidelines sparked by COVID-19, local legislators are urging people to follow Gov. Mark Gordon’s guidelines so that a “shelter in place” order is not passed.
Rep. Tyler Lindholm, R-Sundance, went live on Facebook on March 29 to discuss the ongoing COVID-19 situation in Wyoming to plead with those watching to follow the guidelines. In an update, Sen. Cheri Steinmetz, R-Lingle, encouraged her constituents to follow the governor’s recommendations, including practicing good hygiene and social distancing. The current order from the state is in effect until April 17, she said. 
“Wash your hands, stay home, brew beer and make bullets. We don’t need the government to tell us what to do,” Lindholm said. “We want to stay healthy.”
According to Lindholm, the state has the authority to institute a shelter-in-place order, if deemed necessary. Although an order is technically allowed, Lindholm said, he disagrees with the idea of taking away individual liberties by requiring people to shelter in place. 
“I am advocating for a voluntary reaction from us. Even if you aren’t a fan of those guys (the government), you treasure individual rights and want to keep as much as possible,” Lindholm said. “You don’t want to give the government a reason to go down that road. Let’s just flat do it. What the governor is advocating for is what I am advocating for.”
Steinmetz said in her update that she is thankful to live and serve the rural communities in eastern Wyoming and is proud of how these communities are handling the coronavirus crisis.
“I have no doubt our faith, family, community and our love of freedom will see us stronger as we take each day one at a time and plan for the future as this too shall pass,” she said. “There is no doubt we have challenges ahead, but we are equal to them.”  
Steinmetz said that Congress stepped up and performed its constitutional duty to passed the COVID-19 (CARES) relief bill. 
“This is the third in what will likely be several pieces of legislation from Congress,” Steinmetz said. “Under CARES, Wyoming will receive a minimum of $1.25 billion dollars. This money must be spent by the end of 2020 with anticipated arrival in Wyoming within 45 days.”
She added that Wyoming’s legislative leadership anticipates a special session to allocate those funds. According to her update, the Legislative Management Council, comprising leadership from both the House and Senate, will meet April 16 virtually to approve committee study items and adjust processes so that legislative committees can meet remotely. 
“CARES relief is not specifically available to replace income or revenue. It is to pay for COVID-19-related expenses between March 1 and December 31, 2020,” Steinmetz said. “Without corrective legislation or regulation, it is not available for impacts from COVID-19.”
Lindholm said during his live broadcast that the Legislature is currently unsure of the specific rules attached to the federal money but that it must be used for COVID-19 expenses. 
“The Legislature hopes to partner with the governor and work hand in hand,” Lindholm said.
Steinmetz suggested in her letter that people who are planning to apply for assistance through CARES should keep track of any expenses related to COVID-19. 
“Flagging expenses as they are incurred is much easier than going back later,” she said. “Expenses are expected to be monitored by a federal Inspector General that will require strict compliance with the requirements for the use of funds.” 
Steinmetz noted that the Legislature will release information on CARES as it becomes available.