MILWAUKEE — As state lawmakers debate on the most responsible way to re-open Wisconsin, area residents are sharing their opinions as well.
Chuck Cruz, who TMJ4 caught up without outside of a local coffee shop in Milwaukee's Riverwest neighborhood, said he understands the impact Wisconsin's "Safer at Home" order is having on nearby businesses. But, he still believes the governor made the right call by extending the order until May 26.
"What good would it be if the businesses open and then we have a re-surge of the virus?" asked Cruz.
Susan Hansen, a small business owner herself, is doing her best to support the businesses that are still open and she agrees that the governor is doing the right thing by following the advice of health experts.
"I don’t think its time for all of us to decide we know better than the medical professionals who have the expertise and who are all putting their lives on the line," said Hansen.
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But, not everybody agrees with Evers' decision. Some believe its time to lift the executive order and to open all small businesses again.
Ian Scott, who owns a small business in West Allis, said he fears financial relief packages won't be enough to save small businesses that have been shut down during the coronavirus pandemic.
"For some of these bars and restaurants and things like that, it doesn’t do enough to get them through to the other side," said Scott.
He believes it should be up to individuals, not the government, to protect themselves and others from the spread of Coronavirus.
"If you’re worried about it, stay home. But, there's certainly several businesses that do need to open back up," he said.
The Republican-led legislature has filed a lawsuit saying the extension of the state's Safer at Home order is an abuse of executive powers.
The state's Supreme Court has not determined if the case will be heard. Governor Tony Evers has until Tuesday to reply to the filing.