Last week was a wild ride in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Of the 135 bills considered by lawmakers, two deserve special attention.
Gail’s Law (AB 263) would require health insurance companies to cover follow-up breast cancer screenings for women with dense breast tissue. Postpartum Medicaid expansion (AB 97) would bring Wisconsin in line with 48 other states, providing insurance coverage to new moms and babies for a full year.
Both of these bills have passed the Senate nearly unanimously for over 3 years, only to die in the Assembly time and time again because of opposition from a few Republican leaders.
With a majority of the Assembly on the bills as co-sponsors, Assembly Democrats drew a line in the sand. On Wednesday, we added Postpartum Medicaid expansion and Gail’s Law as amendments to every single bill to force a vote.
Let’s be clear, we should not have to resort to these kinds of tactics – but in doing so, we won a major victory for women's health. Both bills finally passed the Assembly, and now the Governor plans to sign both into law in the coming weeks.
I am thrilled that Wisconsin has finally passed Gail’s Law and Postpartum Medicaid expansion. However, I can’t help but notice that less-popular bills on wake boats, sandhill crane hunting, and cryptocurrency sail quickly through the legislature while bills on women’s health can take years. I hope going forward, the Assembly will focus more on the needs of Wisconsinites and less on the wants of a few special interests.
In related news, Speaker Robin Vos, the longest-serving Assembly speaker in state history, announced he is not running for re-election. I believe that anyone who spends decades in state government deserves recognition for their public service. In his emotional speech, Vos revealed that he suffered a mild heart attack in the fall. I wish him good health in his retirement.
Below are a few bills of interest to our constituents and our district, but please reach out to our office if you would like any additional information.
Late Wednesday night, Republicans announced that Gail’s Law would be brought for a vote on Thursday. I had the honor of reading the stories of friends and constituents on the Assembly floor, and it was a great reminder of how the work we do in Madison can change people’s lives for the better.
The final vote in the State Assembly was 96-0. This was a historic win, and I look forward to seeing Governor Evers sign it into law.
In another historic win for Wisconsin women, the State Assembly also passed legislation to expand Medicaid coverage to mothers and babies for the first year postpartum. This legislation was brought to the Assembly floor for a vote on Thursday, following the late night Republican press conference on Wednesday.
In a final vote of 95-1, postpartum Medicaid coverage will now go to Governor Evers to be signed. Wisconsin will become the 49th state to expand postpartum Medicaid coverage, and it’s about time!
This legislation would provide more restrictions and safeguards on virtual currency kiosks, also known as bitcoin ATM’s. It would require a crypto kiosk operator to be licensed with the Department of Financial Institutions, cap user deposits, display fraud warnings, and verify identity, among other provisions. Currently, virtual currency kiosks are often used by scammers and direct individuals to withdraw thousands of dollars and insert them into the “crypto kiosks," where the money can be transferred to scammers.
This legislation passed the State Assembly but has yet to be brought up for a vote in the State Senate.
(AB971) Tuition and materials reimbursement for community paramedics and community EMS practitioners
This legislation will help expand community care paramedicine by providing tuition and materials reimbursement to those entering the profession. This expands the program created in the 2025-27 state budget for EMS practitioners to qualify for tuition and materials reimbursement.
Community care paramedics provide critical services and non-emergency interventions in their communities through home visits and proactively addressing health concerns among certain populations. I was happy to support this legislation as it passed the State Assembly. It has yet to be brought for a vote in the State Senate.
Many of you in the district emailed our office regarding the legislation (AB1033) that regulates and defines wakesurfing. While on the Assembly Floor on Thursday, Assembly Republicans put in a last minute amendment that included AB117, a bill that establishes a sandhill crane hunting season.
What do sandhill cranes have to do with wake boats? That’s exactly what I asked on the Assembly floor. These actions stand in contrast to the “deliberative nature” of the Assembly that Speaker Vos spoke about so emotionally in his retirement speech. Assembly Democrats demanded a roll call vote, but we were refused. I made sure to record my opposition to this bill and the sneaky tactics behind it.
(SB898) Membership of the Pharmacy Examining Board
In early February, constituents representing the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin visited my office to discuss multiple pieces of legislation, including SB898. Currently, the Pharmacy Examining Board, which licenses pharmacists, pharmacies, and other entities involved in the prescription drug supply chain, consists of five pharmacists and two public members.
This legislation would add two registered pharmacy technicians to the board's membership. Our pharmacists in the district discussed the critical role of pharmacy services and how this bill would provide better representation for practitioners, and I was happy to support this bill.
For several years, funding for PFAS cleanup has been mired in political battles. After negotiations with Governor Evers and the Department of Natural Resources this week, a compromise was reached, and a bill to release the funding passed the Assembly. It now heads to the Senate. Upon passage, $132 million will be available to assist communities in cleaning up harmful PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” that have contaminated drinking water and agricultural fields across the state.
Around the Capitol
State of the State
On Tuesday, the State Legislature joined together to hear Governor Evers’ 8th and final State of the State address. Governor Evers declared 2026 the “Year of the Neighbor” and called for spending the next year celebrating the neighbors who make Wisconsin the great place it is to call home. As he enters his final year in office, I am grateful to Governor Evers and all of his hard work in making Wisconsin safer, smarter, and healthier.
Black History Month Luncheon
Last week, members of the Legislative Black Caucus hosted a Black History Month Luncheon to recognize and celebrate Black History Month. Offerings included multiple Milwaukee area restaurants, including Goodland Greens, Kompali Taqueria, Smokin’ Jack’s BBQ, and more!
Fighting for Women’s Health
The fight for women’s health came to a head on Wednesday in the Capitol. While Democratic leaders were amending every bill to try and force a vote on Gail's Law and Postpartum Medicaid expansion, Republicans broke for 6 hours and finally announced the bills would have a vote in the Assembly. The passage of these bills represents a huge win for women and babies in every part of our state.
Around the District
Whitefish Bay High School Theater
Whitefish Bay High School will perform 42nd Street on May 6th, 7th, 13th, and 14th. Tickets available at WFBHSTHEATER.COM
Mequon Community Blood Drive
On March 6th, the City of Mequon will host a Community Blood Drive from 7am - 1pm at City Hall. To register, visit www.versiti.org/WI
Brown Deer Public Library Pi Day and Winter Market
On March 14th, from 10:00am to 2:00pm, the Brown Deer Public Library will hold both the Winter Market and a Pi Day celebration.
North Shore Library Grand Opening Celebration
On March 14th, the North Shore Library will officially hold their Grand Opening! The library will be open from 10am to 5pm with fun events throughout the day.
Contact Us
There are several convenient ways to share your thoughts, questions and concerns with us:
Call our office at (608) 237-9123
Email us: Rep.Andraca@legis.wisconsin.gov
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