Small Business group urges Wisconsin governor to stop publishing names of COVID - 19 workers

The largest small business advocacy organization in the U.S. is calling on the Wisconsin State Supreme Court to stop Gov. Tony Evers published the names of companies that had employees test positive for COVID - 19.

The National Federal of Independent Business has filed an amicus brief in the case Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, et al. Tony Evers, et al.

Gov. Evers, a Democrat, announced plans in the summer of 2020 to publicize businesses in Wisconsin with more than 25 employees and at least two who have tested positive for COVID - 19.

Evers clarified that the names wouldn't be posted online, but the state would be obligated to release them to media outlets that have filed freedom of information requests, according to WKOW.

Statewide business interest groups have filed a lawsuit against Evers in October 2020, arguing that such information should be kept private and would harm businesses already struggling with the epidemic.

In April 2021, the Fourth District Court of Appeals sided with Gov. Evers and his administration. Wisconsin Manufacturers Commerce appealed the case to the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

The NFIB is asking the supreme court to reverse the decision of the court of appeals. Other business associations, including the Wisconsin Restaurant Association and the Restaurant Law Center, have joined the amicus brief.

Karen Harned, Executive Director of NFIB's Small Business Legal Center, said in a statement that the governor's plans will ultimately do more harm than good for small business owners in Wisconsin. The names of businesses with employees that are positive for COVID-19 will affect small businesses' financial recovery throughout the state and not slow the spread of the disease. We urge the Wisconsin Supreme Court to reverse the court of appeals decision and not allow this ill-advised plan to proceed. Fox Business reached out to the governor's office and will update this story accordingly.

A decision on the case is not expected until next year.