It's hard to believe that May is here! Time sure does fly! I hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful weather. It's been another busy two weeks since the last update was sent out. I have been busy going to events, visiting with constituents and holding more listening sessions in the district. In Madison, I continue to work with my Assembly colleagues to improve the proposed state budget. Also, I have been working on a piece of legislation (LRB 1138/1) the past few weeks and was able to put it out for co-sponsors on Monday. This will be a good opportunity to talk about those things.

Listening Sessions

Since my last update, I have held a couple listening sessions in the district. Last week, I held a listening session with Senator Lassa (D-Stevens Point) in Stevens Point. This last Monday, I held a listening session in Tomah with Representative Krug (R-Nekoosa). Both listening sessions were well attended with around 40 people each. Thank you to everyone that took the time to come out and share their comments and concerns with us.

The Interstate Physician Licensure Compact Implementation Bill

I have authored LRB 1138/1, the Interstate Physician Licensure Compact Implementation Bill, that would streamline the process for physicians to become licensed in Wisconsin and other states. This will allow a specialty physician to begin serving a rural area very efficiently and very quickly. This will better serves rural patients by expanding telemedicine. For example, a specialist in another state could treat a stroke patient through telemedicine technology and prescribe drugs, rather than delaying the diagnosis. A quicker diagnosis in a stroke situation can be a tremendous difference for the outcome for that particular individual.

LRB 1138/1 is legislation that cuts regulatory red tape and provides efficiencies for state government and license holders all while increasing access to health care in Wisconsin. This is accomplished by creating a more expedient process for physicians to receive a medical license in Wisconsin and other states that join the Interstate Physician Licensure Compact. The Compact is supported by a coalition of health care systems, the Wisconsin Hospital Association, the Wisconsin Medical Society, and others, along with the Wisconsin Medical Examining Board.

Under current law, when a physician in another state wishes to practice in Wisconsin, that physician must apply for and receive a medical license in Wisconsin. Even for physicians with a clean practice record, it can take 6 months or more to gather and process all of the paperwork for a physician to receive a Wisconsin license. By enacting the Interstate Physician Licensure Compact, Wisconsin will join with other Compact states to create a common, multi-state expedited physician licensure process for physicians with a clean practice record, so that such physicians can begin providing care to Wisconsin communities much more quickly.

Importantly, a physician’s participation in the Interstate Physician Licensure Compact is voluntary. Further, the Compact explicitly does not alter a state’s practice act; each state that joins the Compact continues to have sole authority to govern the practice of physicians practicing within the state. Finally, the implementation portion of the bill has been written with the intent that any additional costs incurred by Wisconsin to participate in the Compact would be borne by those physicians that choose to utilize the Compact licensure process.

LRB 1138/1 is currently out for co-sponsorship until Friday, May 8th. This gives members of the Assembly and Senate time to look over the bill. So far, there has been a positive response and I expect it to be a bi-partisan list of co-sponsors. I will be sure to update you on the bill through out the legislative process.

The Future of Health Care

This week, Representative Nerison (R-Westby), Senator Shilling (D-La Crosse) and I visited Mayo Clinic Health System in Sparta. This was an opportunity to tour their facility and participate in a telemedicine demonstration. We were able to get a first hand look at the future of health care.

As a former member of the Tomah Memorial Hospital Board, I am aware of the complexities and challenges of the meeting the needs of those living in rural areas. Access to high-quality health care is vital to the community's economy. I believe that my legislation, LRB 1138/1, will help meet those needs.

An Update on the State Budget

Rep. VanderMeer Joins the Joint Finance Committee in Supporting Veteran’s Education

As the Vice-Chair of the Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs, I have been a strong advocate for additional resources for veterans and their educational needs. The support for our returning veterans is critical. I am encouraged by the steps taken by the budget committee to further support our veterans.

The Joint Finance Committee’s action provides funding of $1,000,000 in grants to the Wisconsin Technical College schools to aid in the support programs and services offered to veterans. The motion passed the committee on a bipartisan vote of 16-0.

This action by the Joint Finance Committee will assist veterans in obtaining education and training necessary for them to become a part of Wisconsin’s growing workforce. For all their sacrifices, it’s the least we can do for our servicemen and women.

Rep. VanderMeer Supports Fraud Prevention Efforts

Wisconsin government assistant programs are important but it is also important that the funds for those programs are properly used so that our most vulnerable citizens are protected. The Joint Finance Committee unanimously voted to make a commitment to fight fraud, waste and abuse in government assistance programs. The vote allocates $500,000 GPR ($250,000/year) matching federal dollars for $1,000,000 to the county income maintenance consortia to assist counties to fight fraud through their Fraud Prevention and Investigation Program. These dollars will be used to investigate for fraud and misuse of benefits in the FoodShare and Medicaid programs.

One of the greatest parts of my job as a legislator is having the opportunity to meet with constituents from all walks of life. Recently, I had a chance to meet with a number of different groups from the 70th Assembly District. I appreciated having the chance to talk – thanks for stopping!

Please take a moment to fill out the 2015 Budget Survey by clicking on the link below or visiting www.RepVanderMeer.com

Sincerely,