Last week, the Assembly met for what could be the final voting day of the calendar year. Assembly Democrats tried to force a vote to extend Medicaid coverage for postpartum care, but Speaker Vos had other priorities, like incentivizing school consolidations.
In the district, I met with clean air advocates, went to the ceremony for the newly-dedicated Johnny Watts Court, and Sully took a trip to the Town of Beloit!
Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy the Holiday!
Postpartum Medicaid Expansion
Assembly Democrats prepared a discharge petition to force a vote on postpartum Medicaid expansion. The bill has nearly three-quarters of the Assembly signed-on, including a majority of the Republican caucus.
Speaker Robin Vos caught wind of that, and moved the bill from one committee to another. That procedural move means that a 21-day clock resets on this bill before we can vote again to bring mothers healthcare.
Speaker Vos has shielded his extreme position behind the rules for long enough. It's long past time for him to join the 73 Assembly co-sponsors of this bill and give this life-saving care to new mothers who need it most.
Stateline Clean Air Coalition
Senator Mark Spreitzer and I took part in a legislative roundtable with the Stateline Clean Air Coalition, where we had a great conversation about air quality, renewable energy, and the growing number of data centers in our region. Thank you to Brittany Keyes for hosting and organizing a thoughtful and engaging event.
Johnny Watts Court Dedication
The newly dedicated Johnny Watts Court at Barkin Arena honors one of Beloit’s greatest athletes and a true Wisconsin trailblazer, and it was a fantastic ceremony that I was grateful to attend. In 1933, Watts delivered one of the most iconic performances in state history, checking into the WIAA championship game with a broken wrist wrapped in splints made from ping pong paddles and immediately sparking Beloit’s comeback before scoring the game winning basket.
A three time state champion, the first Black star of the state tournament, and later a Harlem Globetrotter, Watts excelled despite the racial barriers that kept him out of the Big Ten. His courage, dominance, and lasting influence paved the way for generations of athletes who followed, and now his name rightfully takes its place on the court where Beloit athletes continue to chase their dreams.
Public Safety Sully
It was great to stop by the Beloit NAACP to give an update on what’s happening in the Capitol. I always appreciate the opportunity to join the oldest NAACP branch in Wisconsin!
Representative Clinton Anderson
