We have had a busy couple of weeks in the Capitol, as Republicans on the Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) failed to figure out how to abide by their own laws and as a result put millions of Wisconsin tax dollars at risk. Democrats are looking into ways that we can reverse the lame duck laws and allow the Attorney General to do his job for the Wisconsinites who elected him.
Additionally, I was very happy to see that Wisconsin was approved to implement a health services initiative to provide lead abatement services in the homes of low-income children and pregnant women. After Republicans refused to provide funding to fight lead poisoning a few months ago, it is vital that the Department of Health Services (DHS) is able to move forward with protecting Wisconsinites. You can read their press release here.
Jon Erpenbach Wisconsin State Senate, District 27
UPDATES
WISCONSIN HEALTH NEWS LEGISLATOR ROUNDTABLE
This week I participated in the Wisconsin Health News Legislator Roundtable. We discussed many health policy issues, including medical marijuana, dental therapists, pharmacy benefit managers, expanding Medicaid, and direct primary care.
This fall, I plan on re-introducing a bill to allow Medical Marijuana, which 83% of Wisconsinites approve, and I have already introduced a bill to give Republicans a second chance at expanding Medicaid, which has an approval rating of 70%.
Democrats are fighting for the health care policy that the vast majority of Wisconsinites agree with, and that will continue to be the case. Wisconsinites deserve to have access to affordable, comprehensive care.
DEMOCRATS FIGHT BACK AGAINST THE DYSFUNCTIONAL LAME DUCK LAWS
Democrats on the Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) introduced legislation to repeal the lame duck legislation that is standing in the way of the Attorney General doing his job.
Republicans are unable to adhere to their own ill-thought out lame duck laws, desperately passed at the dead of the night, and they are now postponing settlements and putting hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars at risk. Wisconsin deserves better.
September is Suicide Prevention Month and it is important that we work towards destigmatizing mental health by speaking out and raising awareness, and for the state to fund mental health care to reduce barriers and assist people who ask for help.
If you or someone you know needs help, free, confidential help is available by calling 1-800-273-8255 or texting HOPELINE to 741741.
With the start of the archery and crossbow season beginning on September 14th, DNR reminds hunters who harvest deer to consider having those animals tested for CWD.
The Groundwater Coordinating Council (GCC) has released its 2019 Report to the Legislature. This on-line report summarizes and links to information on the GCC and agency activities related to groundwater protection and management in over the last year.
