It is high time for measures such as Medicaid and BadgerCare expansion to increase the accessibility of healthcare for all Wisconsinites. Everyone should have access to quality, affordable healthcare without fear of discrimination for pre-existing and chronic conditions. Accepting these federal dollars comes at no cost to the state of Wisconsin, so we should help people while we can.
Medicaid expansion would save Wisconsin $324.5 million, and provide 82,000 people across the state with access to healthcare. Click here to explore the county-by-county breakdown of how Medicaid expansion would impact your community.
Governor Evers provided the legislature a very real opportunity to move forward in a bipartisan effort to make sure Wisconsin works for everyone. On May 9, the Joint Finance Committee voted on party lines to remove this measure from the budget. 70% of Wisconsinites support Medicaid expansion, and the Legislature should be listening to the people we represent.
The priorities of Wisconsinites are clear, but they’re still being ignored. It is time for your representatives to listen to you. I encourage you to connect with your state legislators and explain why you believe what you believe. Ask them whether they support the majority of Wisconsinites, who agree that Wisconsin needs Medicaid expansion. Call your legislators today at (608)266-9960 or (800)362-9472. I remain hopeful that this issue will be brought up again and included in the final budget.
Senate Bill 188: The Growing Opportunities Act
I have co-authored bi-partisan legislation with Rep. Kurtz (R-Wonewoc) regulating hemp. The Growing Opportunities Act will help give farmers, processors, retailers, and consumers more confidence and certainty in hemp products. Applications for licenses to farm and process hemp have grown exponentially in the past few years. We consume millions of dollars worth of hemp every year, and this legislation will allow farmers to successfully explore new markets and make the hemp industry more viable in Wisconsin. Under the 2018 Federal Farm Freedom Act, states can either manage their own hemp program or wait for a federal agency to adopt oversight. The Growing Opportunities Act creates a framework to enable DATCP to keep managing Wisconsin’s program.
Memorial Day and SSG Busch Memorial Highway Update
We commemorate Memorial Day on Monday, May 27, 2019.Please also note that my Capitol office will be closed on Monday in observance of the holiday. There are a number of observances taking place in the district, including:
Baraboo Memorial Day Parade: 10 AM around the square
Portage Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade: 10:30 AM. Parade begins at the intersection of West Slifer St and Airport Rd. Ceremony to follow at Blue Star Park
Sauk City American Legion Kuoni Reuter Post 167 and Sauk Prairie Veterans of Foreign Wars Lachmund-Cramer Post 7694 are jointly presenting Memorial Day services at the Sauk CityCemetery at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, May 27.
Memorial Day Honor Rides in locations around the state, including Reedsburg: Click here to view the information flier
Today, May 21, the Senate Committee on Transportation, Veterans and Military Affairs will be hearing the SSG Daniel D. Busch Memorial Highway bill. I will be sure to keep you updated on the progression of this bill.
Drug Take Back Day
On Drug Take Back Day, held April 27, 2019, Wisconsin had a preliminary collection of 58,408 lbs of medications.
Drug Take Back Day provides a safe and responsible means of disposal for unused or unwanted medications
Unused or expired medications should never be flushed or poured down the drain
There are 462 permanent Drug Take Back boxes at law enforcement agencies across the state
There are many locations in the district. Click here to search for the location nearest you.
DNR Update
Wisconsin's fishing season opened May 4th! Clickhereto apply for a license.
Clickhereto view the results of the 2018 wildlife surveys.
The DNR is reminding folks to keep wildlife wild by leaving fawns and other young animals alone for their best protection. Clickherefor more on this topic.
May is Clean Air Month. Clickhereto view the DNR's informational webpage on air quality in Wisconsin.