APPLETON (NBC 26) -- Several Fox Valley Republicans said it was time for areas in Wisconsin to re-open it's economy.
"We are flattening the curve, and that's a good thing," said Rep. Jim Steineke. "Areas less affected by the virus should be able to not let their economies suffer."
Rep. Steineke and others want local governments to decide if it is safe to let stores re-open. Wisconsin is seeing the case count increase. However, the percentage of new cases continues to decrease. Democrats said today it is too risky to re-open this early. They said doing so could cause the virus to spread and lead to a spike in cases.
"We can't just re-open everything," said Rep. Amanda Stuck. "This virus know no borders. We should follow the science."
The plan of what Republicans want is not finalized, but they said stores can model a similar approach taken by grocery stores. Rep. Steineke said this should help some local economies.
"Where the virus is not a threat, these stores can start collecting revenue," Steineke said.
However, Rep. Stuck argues health and safety is a greater importance.
"Keeping people alive is our number one goal," she said. "That's why we are trying to pursue keeping things shut down for a while."
