In this week's Big I Buzz, we are discussing the new Emergency Order from Governor Evers, the cost of damage from violence in Kenosha and the USDA's plans for $14B more in virus relief for farmers. 

Governor Evers Issues New Public Health Emergency Due to Campus Outbreaks, Issues New Face Coverings Order

On September 22nd, Governor Tony Evers extended the statewide mask mandate with a new COVID-19 emergency order. Originally, the first mask mandate in Wisconsin was set to expire at the on Monday, September 28th. Now, his new order will extend the mask mandate through November 21, effective immediately and remains in place for 60 days or until a superseding order is passed. 

Damage from Violence In Kenosha, Wisconsin, Tops $11M

According to Kenosha, Wisconsin's fire chief, damage from the unrest over the police shooting of Jacob Blake has now topped $11 million. According to the Kenosha News Fire Chief Charles Leipzig told commissioners, "To put it into context, that's three years of fire loss for us in the span of about a week." Read more here. 

USDA Plans $14B More in Virus Relief for Farmers

On September 18th the U.S. Department of Agriculture released details of its plan to provide "financial assistance that will give producers the ability to absorb increased marketing costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic", according to Insurance Journal. The first mention of the aid came during President Donald Trump's speech in Wisconsin on Thursday, September 17th. During his speech he promised favorable trade and and regulatory changes, as well as tax cuts. According to Insurance Journal, "Much of the additional money will come in direct payments for crops that meet a specified threshold of price delicne. This includes corn, soybeans, wheat and some cotton. Chicken, eggs, milk, beef cattle, pigs and lambs will also be covered, as will tobacco, wool, alfalfa, oats, peanuts, rice and hemp. The program places a payment cap of $250,000 per person or farm entity for all commodities combined. Gross income can't be more than $900,000, unless at least 75% or more of their income is derived from farming, ranching or forestry-related activities." Read more about the financial assistance plan here. 

For more news, check out the Action News section of our weekly e-newsletter Big I Buzz.   If you aren't subscribed, click   here  to add your email to our emailing list. We hope that everyone has a great rest of their week! 

In this week's Big I Buzz, we have news about the success of the WEDC "We're All In" small business grants that the IIAW assisted eligible members with obtaining, IIABA's new Agency Cyber Guide 3.0 from ACT and a new report shows that the average age of cars Americans drive is about 12 years.

WEDC "We're All In" Small Business Grant

The WEDC Reviewed more than 30,500 applications for the 'We're All In' grants for small  businesses. The IIAW assisted hundreds of Wisconsin insurance agencies in obtaining this grant. 

 ACT Releases Agency Cyber Guide 3.0

Handling sensitive information is now one of the most critical responsibilities faced by the modern insurance agency. Independent insurance agents and brokers must properly collect and protect sensitive client information every day. This means complying with state and federal regulations as well as adhering to customer service best practice standards, and compliance with Data Privacy Laws as mandated in all Agency/Company contracts. 

 Average Age of Cars Americans Are Driving Nears 12 Years: IHS Markit

Americans are hanging on to their cars and trucks longer, pushing the average age of vehicles on the road to the highest level in nearly 20 years even before the coronavirus hit, according to new data from IHS Markit Ltd. That is not good for emissions or safety, but t could give a lift to companies that manufacture and sell repair parts.  

For more news, check out the Action News section of our weekly e-newsletter Big I Buzz. If you aren't subscribed, click here to add your email to our emailing list. We hope that everyone has a great rest of their week! 

Read the July 29 edition of the Big I Buzz Here