We Must Pass Postpartum Medicaid Expansion-NOW.

MADISON – Today Rep. Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa) spoke at a press conference ahead of the February 17th Assembly floor session, calling for the passage of postpartum Medicaid expansion. Assembly Democrats also called on Assembly Republicans to focus on issues that lower costs and improve the lives of Wisconsinites. The Assembly is expected to end its legislative session in 3 days– February 19th, 2026. Rep. Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa) released the following remarks she made at the press conference on post-partum Medicaid expansion:

“I am State Representative Robyn Vining and I represent the 13th Assembly District, which includes mothers, babies, and families who live in Wauwatosa, Brookfield, and Elm Grove.

“We are here today because we need to pass postpartum Medicaid expansion, and we need to do so with urgency. Wisconsin moms deserve healthcare–they deserve to be healthy as they recover from childbirth and care for their newborns. Wisconsin babies and families deserve healthy moms, and we cannot wait another day to provide that to them.

“We know that in 2023, nearly 50 women in Wisconsin died of postpartum related causes, and those are the cases we know about. And I know the Speaker knows this next point because he received a Legislative Fiscal Memo on it a year ago tomorrow– we know that between July and December of 2024, an average of approximately 700 women per month lost eligibility for Medical Assistance following their 60-day postpartum period. These are statistics that should rattle the Assembly chamber, demand action, and demand it urgently.

“Postpartum deaths are often preventable deaths, so the vote we are asking to take will save lives. As a legislature, we need to be dedicated to preventing preventable deaths, and we cannot continue to sit back and wait. Wisconsin women’s lives matter, and this legislature needs to act swiftly to protect them.

“Postpartum Medicaid expansion has passed in 48 other states–red states and blue states and purple states. It has passed the Wisconsin state Senate now TWO sessions in a row, 32-1. And in the Assembly alone, we have 76 bipartisan cosponsors, so we clearly have the 50 needed votes to pass this bill. We have the votes to pass the bill, the Governor said in his letter to the Legislature earlier this year that he’s eager to sign this bill, and we need the Republican caucus to let us vote.

“Wisconsin women, and our health, deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and urgency. We cannot wait another day. Let us vote. Let us vote so we can move forward, together.”

Rep. Vining represents the 13th Assembly District, which includes Elm Grove, and parts of Wauwatosa and Brookfield. For more information visit Rep. Vining’s website here.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.