Guaranteeing Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions

Earlier this week, the State Assembly met for the first time this session to consider legislation and took up Assembly Bill (AB) 1, or the "Pre-Existing Condition Guaranteed Coverage Act".  Assembly Republicans made this bill the first priority this session because of how important this issue is to so many Wisconsinites.  I am a proud co-author of AB 1 because ensuring health insurance coverage for people with pre-existing medical conditions is very important to me and so many folks around the 87th District.  AB 1 ensures that individuals with pre-existing conditions are protected no matter what happens on the Federal level.

Under AB 1, health insurance companies would be prevented from denying someone a policy because they have a pre-existing condition, refusing to cover services needed to treat a pre-existing condition, or charging a higher premium based on a person's medical history.

AB 1 was approved by the State Assembly with a bipartisan 76-19 vote and now moves on to the State Senate for their consideration.  I hope to see this bill on Governor Evers' desk soon.

State of the State

On Tuesday, Governor Tony Evers delivered his first State of the State Address to the legislature.  This important event is an opportunity for the governor to share with the legislature his plans for the coming year.  While there are areas where Governor Evers and I are not going to see eye to eye, I look forward to finding ways work with him on ideas that we can agree on.  In his speech, I was encouraged to hear him talk about working across the aisle.  I am hopeful that AB 1 that the Assembly passed earlier on Tuesday is just the start of bipartisan cooperation.

I was disappointed that Governor Evers chose to downplay the success of the past eight years.  While we can all agree that there is always more we can do make our state better, the truth is that the state of our state is strong.  Our state's unemployment rate has been at 3% or below for 11 straight months, tourism is up nearly 40% since 2011, and according to a federal report, Wisconsin ranks #1 in healthcare quality.  These are all statistics that our state can be proud of and we can build upon.

Moving forward I hope to work with Governor Evers on issues that can earn bipartisan support, such as the middle-class tax cut that was announced earlier this month.  This proposal fulfills one of Governor Evers campaign promises without raising taxes on our state's farmers and manufacturers. 

In addition, I was pleased to have Wally Leipart join me as my guest for State of the State Address. As the School Administrator for the Gilman School District, Wally has an interest in public policy and was excited to come down to the Capitol for this event. 

Rep. Edming Receives Legislative Excellence Award

Yesterday I was honored to receive the Legislative Excellence Award from the Dairy Business Association (DBA) for my support of issues important to the dairy industry during the 2017-18 Legislative Session.  Dairy is one of the driving forces for our state's economy as well as the local economies of many communities in the 87th District.  I am proud to advocate for policies that will strengthen the dairy industry in our state and I thank the DBA for recognizing my efforts in support of this important Wisconsin industry.

 L-R: DBA President-Emeritus Mike North, Rep. James Edming, and DBA President Tom Crave 

Under the Dome

Talking About Agri-Business 

On Wednesday I met with the Wisconsin Agri-Business Association to discuss their priorities for the legislative session.  Agriculture is an important industry to the people of the 87th District.  I look forward to working with stakeholders in the agriculture industry to strengthen this important part of our state and local economy.

Talking About the Credit Union Difference

I had a great conversation yesterday with members of the Wisconsin Credit Union League, including folks from Taylor Credit Union. I especially enjoyed hearing about how they are giving back to their communities in the 87th District and educating students on financial literacy.

Stay Up to Date

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