Last week, Governor Evers continued taking action on his commitment that 2019 is the “Year of Clean Drinking Water”. He announced that his administration will be establishing new standards to target nitrate contamination in surface and groundwater that stems from fertilizers and other sources. At least 1 in 10 Wisconsin wells has high levels of nitrate, which is considered a hazardous contaminant that is particular dangerous to pregnant women and children. He also signed an executive order creating a Department of Health coordinator position to address concerning lead levels in water that threatens the health of Wisconsin’s children. Further, legislative Democrats introduced several bills that provide resources to address lead paint and lead laterals, of which I am a co-sponsor.
Please continue reading for articles on a new insulin bill, my continued commitment to expanding Medicaid, local childcare development, and the Equifax settlement. As always, please let me know if you have any questions, comments or concerns. You can always contact my office by calling (608) 266-5780 or emailing me at Rep.Billings@legis.wi.gov.
Best Wishes,
Jill Billings State Representative 95th Assembly District
Capping the Rising Costs of Insulin
For the 30 million Americans with diabetes who rely on insulin, rapidly rising out-of-pocket prescription costs threaten their ability to afford this lifesaving medicine.
This is why I recently introduced legislation to cap the price of insulin at $100 per thirty day supply, along with my colleagues Representative Jimmy Anderson, Representative Katrina Shankland, and Senator Dave Hansen.
Due to a lax regulatory environment around drug pricing, the costs of insulin have tripled over the past decade. A quarter of people with diabetes report that they ration or skip lifesaving doses of insulin, with potentially damaging or fatal consequences. In Wisconsin alone, 8% of adults have diabetes, and 28% of adults have diabetes and don’t know it. The direct and indirect costs of diabetes in Wisconsin, including medical care, totals an estimated 3.9 billion annually.
I’m proud to co-author this bill, which aims to ensure that no Wisconsinite will have to skip the insulin they need to stay alive due to inflated prices.
Medicaid Expansion
Earlier this week, Governor Evers and legislative Democrats introduced standalone legislation that would accept the Medicaid expansion dollars for Wisconsin. I was disappointed that Republicans removed Medicaid expansion from the People’s Budget a few months ago, despite the support of 70% of Wisconsinites. Since the majority of Wisconsinites understand the importance of bringing our federal tax dollars home to Wisconsin, I will continue to call upon Republicans to reconsider this decision through legislation.
Access to high quality and affordable healthcare should not be a privilege afforded to only a select few. Expanding Medicaid not only gives coverage to an additional 80,000 Wisconsinites, but it also means expanding things like healthcare in rural areas, dental care, and reducing disparities in birth outcomes.
Failing to expand Medicaid also has significant financial implications on the state. For every hour that Wisconsin doesn’t expand Medicaid, Wisconsin loses approximately $115,000 in Wisconsinites’ paid federal tax dollars, which are currently being sent from Wisconsin to other states. Despite paying $1.01 billion a year in federal income taxes to support Medicaid expansion in other states, Wisconsin residents experience no return on this investment. Residents will pay the same amount regardless of whether the state chooses to expand Medicaid coverage.
Expanding Medicaid is a common-sense approach that benefits the entire state: our tax dollars stay in Wisconsin, and all residents benefit from increased access to healthcare, lower premiums, and expanded services. I will be continuing to advocate for Medicaid expansion alongside Governor Evers’ and legislative Democrats.
Child Development & Early Education
As a follow-up to last newsletter’s article on child care costs and the Wisconsin Infant Toddler Policy Project, I wanted to share an upcoming series of events related to child development. Great Rivers United Way and the sparks! collaborative have organized three screenings of an important documentary about early childhood learning and childcare, No Small Matter. The documentary focuses on the brain development that takes place between birth and age five, and how we can make the most of those early years given the scarcity and rising costs of quality childcare. These free events consist of a screening followed by a panel discussion. I will be part of the panel at the August 20th event, and I would love for you to attend and spread the word to anyone else who might be interested.
Event dates:
Thursday, August 20, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Rivoli Theatre in La Crosse
Wednesday, August 28, 6:00-8:00 p.m., International Performing Arts Campus (Misty’s Dance Unlimited) in Onalaska
Tuesday, September 10, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Prairie du Chien Memorial Library in Prairie du Chien.
Please reserve your seat in advance here, and check out the trailer in advance.
Equifax Settlement Could Put Cash In Your Pocket
After September 2017’s Equifax data breach, a settlement has been announced that will offer benefits to consumers whose data was leaked. The settlement includes up to a total of $425 million to help the roughly 147 million consumers whose information was exposed in the breach. Wisconsin residents are encouraged to read up on the settlement on the FTC website, and submit claims before January 22, 2020.
In addition, all consumers in the United States, regardless of if they were affected in the breach or not, will also be able to get six additional free credit reports each year from Equifax.
Some Assembly Required
If you’d like stay up-to-date on what the entire Democratic caucus is up to, the Assembly Democrats recently launched a brand new podcast, ‘Some Assembly Required’, which discusses what’s happening in the State Capitol as well as all things Wisconsin. The podcast also highlights policy, legislative goals, and features a variety of elected officials. I encourage you to listen to the first couple episodes on Spotify, Apple Music, or Soundcloud.
Rep. Billings Out of the Capitol Building
Last weekend, I attended the 'Century of Aviation' celebration at La Crosse Regional Airport. One of the highlights was watching a 98-year-old WWII vet being reunited with the type of plane he piloted during 23 missions in the war (the B-24 Liberator, pictured above).
I also met some Civil Air Patrol members and veterans from the Korean war.
Earlier this week, I attended the Wisconsin Public Education Network (WPEN) Conference and spoke with educators (above, with La Crosse School Board member Dawn Comeau).
