Citizen Action of Wisconsin

Recent Articles

Citizen Action Stages Protest of We Energies in Frigid Conditions
Press Release

Citizen Action Stages Protest of We Energies in Frigid Conditions

Calls out 11% price increase, discriminatory rates for low income people of color, foot-dragging on climate crisis

News Events in 4 Wisconsin Cities Tout new Child Tax Credit Which Begin in July
Press Release

News Events in 4 Wisconsin Cities Tout new Child Tax Credit Which Begin in July

Measure enacted as part of the American Rescue Plan cuts child poverty in Wisconsin nearly in half, but expires after 1 year

Wisconsin Billionaires Got $11.1 Billion Richer Over First 10 Months of Pandemic, Their Collective Wealth Jumping By 28%
Press Release

Wisconsin Billionaires Got $11.1 Billion Richer Over First 10 Months of Pandemic, Their Collective Wealth Jumping By 28%

Gains of 8 Richest Residents Could Cover $2 Billion State Deficit Predicted by Outside Analysts 5 Times Over & Still Leave Billionaires Richer Than They Were Before COVID

Trump’s Stacked Supreme Court Could Overturn ACA Coverage and Pre-Existing Condition Protections for Millions of Wisconsinites
Press Release

Trump’s Stacked Supreme Court Could Overturn ACA Coverage and Pre-Existing Condition Protections for Millions of Wisconsinites

Citizen Action of Wisconsin Urges Justices to Put Partisan Politics Aside and Uphold the Law

Citizen Action Statement on the Racist Police Shooting of Jacob Blake
Report: 8 Billionaires in Wisconsin See Net Worth Jump $14.2 Billion or 36.1% in First Three Months of COVID-19 Pandemic
Press Release

Report: 8 Billionaires in Wisconsin See Net Worth Jump $14.2 Billion or 36.1% in First Three Months of COVID-19 Pandemic

Meanwhile Wisconsinites, State & Local Governments Face Financial Hardship as Congress Stalls on New COVID-19 Financial Aid Package

Citizen Action Statement on the Racist Murder of George Floyd
Health Professionals Speak Out Against Social Distancing Protests
Press Release

Health Professionals Speak Out Against Social Distancing Protests

In video statements recorded this morning, health professionals explain why the the Governor’s Safer at Home order is an essential measure for containing COVID-19, creating conditions to gradually and safely reopen the economy

Emergency Powers Give Wisconsin Authority to use BadgerCare to Fight Coronavirus
Press Release

Emergency Powers Give Wisconsin Authority to use BadgerCare to Fight Coronavirus

Federal Emergency Declaration opens new avenues to guarantee everyone is tested and treated without cost sharing, fully covering all uninsured Wisconsinites

Citizen Action endorses Chris Larson for Milwaukee County Executive
Press Release

Citizen Action endorses Chris Larson for Milwaukee County Executive

Announces more key endorsements in Milwaukee area spring elections

State Legislature Must Take Action to Protect Health Coverage
Press Release

State Legislature Must Take Action to Protect Health Coverage

Wisconsinites with pre-existing conditions, marketplace health insurance, at grave risk of having coverage taken away by conservative federal judges

Creation of a Crisis: How the Pharmaceutical Industry Chooses Profit Over People
Press Release

Creation of a Crisis: How the Pharmaceutical Industry Chooses Profit Over People

Citizen Action of Wisconsin joins national release of report revealing how drug company profits and CEO pay put lives at risk

Motion to Block Early Voting Restrictions to be Filed Today
Press Release

Motion to Block Early Voting Restrictions to be Filed Today

Citizen Action and partners move to prevent enforcement of early voting restrictions passed in the “lame duck” legislative session

Scott Walker Misleading Voters With Health Care Cost Reduction Claims
Press Release

Scott Walker Misleading Voters With Health Care Cost Reduction Claims

Walker’s election year plan impacts a tiny fraction of health consumers, is dwarfed by premium reductions in neighboring Minnesota, and does not make up for cost of his sabotage

Health Advocates Ask U.S. Senate Candidates to Sign Pledge to Protect Wisconsinites with Pre-existing Conditions
Press Release

Health Advocates Ask U.S. Senate Candidates to Sign Pledge to Protect Wisconsinites with Pre-existing Conditions

The full pledge which is being transmitted to both campaigns today.

Walker Plan Does Not Make Up for Cost of Sabotage
Press Release

Walker Plan Does Not Make Up for Cost of Sabotage

"Scott Walker now finds it politically convenient in an election year to pretend to care about health care costs..."

Citizen Action Condemns Dark Money Distortion of Milwaukee County Elections
Press Release

Citizen Action Condemns Dark Money Distortion of Milwaukee County Elections

Demands group “cease and desist” using Citizen Action logo and name

Bill Would Rip Away Essential Health Benefits & Legalize Insurance Discrimination Based on Pre-existing Conditions
Press Release

Bill Would Rip Away Essential Health Benefits & Legalize Insurance Discrimination Based on Pre-existing Conditions

BadgerCare Public Option is a real solution: would lower costs without taking away coverage

Walker Shift on Health Care not Enough to Undo Damage from Years of Sabotage
Press Release

Walker Shift on Health Care not Enough to Undo Damage from Years of Sabotage

Opening BadgerCare as a public option, and other reforms, needed to make coverage affordable

Wisconsin Healthcare Professionals Critique Walker Plan in BadgerCare Waiver Public Comment
Press Release

Wisconsin Healthcare Professionals Critique Walker Plan in BadgerCare Waiver Public Comment

Doctors, nurses, healthcare professionals, and advocates question Governor’s handling of healthcare in his administration’s latest BadgerCare waiver proposal.

2018 Wisconsin Health Insurance Cost Ranking
Press Release

2018 Wisconsin Health Insurance Cost Ranking

Report finds continuing regional disparities on cost, inflation, and quality. Rate of health care inflation was more than 15x higher before Affordable Care Act

Wisconsin 2018 Health Insurance Rate Spike Can Be Avoided With BadgerCare Public Option
Press Release

Wisconsin 2018 Health Insurance Rate Spike Can Be Avoided With BadgerCare Public Option

Protects Wisconsinites from Trump’s health care sabotage

WEDC’s Poor Jobs Accountability Record Makes Foxconn Deal a Scandal Waiting to Happen
Press Release

WEDC’s Poor Jobs Accountability Record Makes Foxconn Deal a Scandal Waiting to Happen

14,000 jobs deficit for existing corporate tax credits and loans is greater than the direct job creation claim for the Foxconn deal

Senate Health Repeal Vote Advances That Could Bring Back Pre-Existing Condition Discrimination, Threaten Care
Press Release

Senate Health Repeal Vote Advances That Could Bring Back Pre-Existing Condition Discrimination, Threaten Care

Senate GOP playing “Russian Roulette” in healthcare, with no clear replacement plan available.

Neighboring Congressman and Citizen Action Have Health Care Town Hall Speaker Ryan Refuses to Hold
Press Release

Neighboring Congressman and Citizen Action Have Health Care Town Hall Speaker Ryan Refuses to Hold

Paul Ryan has not had an open forum with his constituents since the election.

New Legislation Creates BadgerCare “Public Option” to Immediately Lower Health Costs
Press Release

New Legislation Creates BadgerCare “Public Option” to Immediately Lower Health Costs

Following insurance company threats to leave markets, legislation introduced to allow all Wisconsinites to purchase BadgerCare.

Momentum Throughout Wisconsin Building for End to Rigged Election Maps
Press Release

Momentum Throughout Wisconsin Building for End to Rigged Election Maps

Milwaukee becomes 19th county in Wisconsin to pass fair maps resolution.

Senate Health Plan Would Cause Out-of-Pocket Costs to Skyrocket for Wisconsinites, End Credits for Man
Press Release

Senate Health Plan Would Cause Out-of-Pocket Costs to Skyrocket for Wisconsinites, End Credits for Man

Senate plan tax credit scheme worse for states like Wisconsin with high healthcare costs, hurting consumers

SCOTUS Decision to Postpone New State Election Maps is Disappointing News for Wisconsin Voters
Press Release

SCOTUS Decision to Postpone New State Election Maps is Disappointing News for Wisconsin Voters

Citizen Action of Wisconsin Redoubles its Efforts for Redistricting Reform

Rep. Duffy Outburst Reveals Why Conservative Politicians Can Never Guarantee Affordable Health Care
Press Release

Rep. Duffy Outburst Reveals Why Conservative Politicians Can Never Guarantee Affordable Health Care

"Congressman Duffy’s outburst unintentionally reveals a dangerously constricted view of government that if fulfilled would eliminate Medicare and BadgerCare..."

Trump’s Health Care Sabotage Threat Would Have Devastating Impact in Wisconsin
Press Release

Trump’s Health Care Sabotage Threat Would Have Devastating Impact in Wisconsin

Trump threatened to stop paying insurers cost-sharing-reduction payments that reduce deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket maximums for moderate income enrollees.

With Repeal Efforts on Hold for Now, Deliberate Sabotage Threatens Health Coverage
Press Release

With Repeal Efforts on Hold for Now, Deliberate Sabotage Threatens Health Coverage

The biggest immediate threat to affordable health coverage may be deliberate sabotage by the Trump Administration.

As Critical House Vote Nears, GOP Pushes Substandard Health Coverage that Legalizes New Pre-Existing Condition Discrimination
Press Release

As Critical House Vote Nears, GOP Pushes Substandard Health Coverage that Legalizes New Pre-Existing Condition Discrimination

Conservative proposals are a back-door way to legalize discrimination against people with pre-existing conditions

Citizen Action Research Shows Massive Increase in Health Premiums in Wisconsin Cities under House GOP Replacement Bill
Press Release

Citizen Action Research Shows Massive Increase in Health Premiums in Wisconsin Cities under House GOP Replacement Bill

In Milwaukee raises health insurance premiums by $9,908 per year for moderate income older adults

Wisconsin and Illinois Activists Brave Blizzard to Converge on House Speaker Paul Ryan’s Racine Office Demanding He Stop the Ruthless Health Care Repeal Bill
Huge State Costs from GOP Plan to Kill Obamacare
Press Release

Huge State Costs from GOP Plan to Kill Obamacare

$7.8 billion federal funds, 45,700 jobs lost.

Opposition to Health Care Repeal Building Across Wisconsin
Press Release

Opposition to Health Care Repeal Building Across Wisconsin

Turnout was large in all the rallies.

Gov. Walker’s Opioid Prevention Plan Does Not Match Magnitude of the Crisis
Press Release

Gov. Walker’s Opioid Prevention Plan Does Not Match Magnitude of the Crisis

The scale being proposed by Governor Walker is wholly inadequate.

2017 Wisconsin Health Insurance Cost Ranking
Press Release

2017 Wisconsin Health Insurance Cost Ranking

Milwaukee Area Still Has Above Averages Costs

Record Early Voting & Election Day Voting are Blows for Democracy
Press Release

Record Early Voting & Election Day Voting are Blows for Democracy

Dozens of nonprofits and thousands of dedicated government officials and poll workers advancing America’s most fundamental right

Nonprofit Offering FREE Rides to Vote in City of Milwaukee
Press Release

Nonprofit Offering FREE Rides to Vote in City of Milwaukee

Call (414) 909-2016 for a free ride from 7 am until 8 pm on Election Day

Wisconsin ObamaCare Rate Increases Moderate
Press Release

Wisconsin ObamaCare Rate Increases Moderate

When consider both premiums and deductibles. Costs actually decrease for people who utilize health care services.

Citizen Action Applauds Federal Judge’s Action on Photo ID
Press Release

Citizen Action Applauds Federal Judge’s Action on Photo ID

“We believe that the Photo ID law inherently disenfranchises voters, and will ultimately be struck down as unconstitutional,” said Robert Kraig, Executive Director of Citizen Action of Wisconsin.

New $0 Deductible Health Plans Introduced
Press Release

New $0 Deductible Health Plans Introduced

Wisconsin health consumers will save over $209 million

Walker Administration Deliberately Rigging Health Insurance System to Raise Rates
Press Release

Walker Administration Deliberately Rigging Health Insurance System to Raise Rates

Almost as many people enrolled in substandard “lemon” health plans in Wisconsin as buy individual coverage through Healthcare.gov

Attorney General Moves to Block Pay Raise for Wisconsin Workers
Press Release

Attorney General Moves to Block Pay Raise for Wisconsin Workers

New overtime rule would be an economic boon for Wisconsin

Outsourced Wisconsin Tour Launched
Press Release

Outsourced Wisconsin Tour Launched

Will travel Wisconsin to focus attention on corporate outsourcers who are taking public job creation dollars

Wisconsin Manufacturing Wages Declining
Press Release

Wisconsin Manufacturing Wages Declining

Manufacturing Wages in Milwaukee Area Decline $1,037

Wisconsin State Legislature Part of Scheme to Help Drug Corporation Price Gouge for EpiPen
Press Release

Wisconsin State Legislature Part of Scheme to Help Drug Corporation Price Gouge for EpiPen

Mylan spent thousands on political contributions, tens of thousands on lobbying to use Wisconsin school and recreation programs to expand market for EpiPens

At Least 11,331 Wisconsin Jobs Outsourced Overseas Over the Last Five Years
Press Release

At Least 11,331 Wisconsin Jobs Outsourced Overseas Over the Last Five Years

Reveals Economic Wreckage Caused by Outsourcing During Walker and Johnson Years

Walker Economic Plan for Milwaukee Offers Nothing Up to Scale of the Problem
Press Release

Walker Economic Plan for Milwaukee Offers Nothing Up to Scale of the Problem

Like his Transform Milwaukee initiative, this plan is more hype than substance.

In Aftermath of Milwaukee’s Civil Unrest We Need to Get Serious About Equal Economic Opportunity
Press Release

In Aftermath of Milwaukee’s Civil Unrest We Need to Get Serious About Equal Economic Opportunity

"As public order is restored, it is important we take stock of what happened, and what we have to do together to create a Wisconsin where everyone has an equal chance to live a fulfilling life."

100 Activists From Across the Country Rally at Payday Loan Storefront Calling for Strong Federal Rules
Press Release

100 Activists From Across the Country Rally at Payday Loan Storefront Calling for Strong Federal Rules

Demand Local Payday Lender Support Common Sense Rules from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to Shut Down Payday and Car Title Loan Debt Trap

Citizen Action of Wisconsin announces endorsements in state legislative primaries
Press Release

Citizen Action of Wisconsin announces endorsements in state legislative primaries

Citizen Action endorsed in legislative races with contested primaries where a progressive champion is on the ballot and sought our endorsement.

Citizen Action of Wisconsin Endorses John Chisholm for Re-Election as Milwaukee County District Attorney
Press Release

Citizen Action of Wisconsin Endorses John Chisholm for Re-Election as Milwaukee County District Attorney

District Attorney Chisholm is a proven leader in criminal justice reform

Milwaukee County Residents At Risk of Leaving Millions on the Table this Tax Season
Press Release

Milwaukee County Residents At Risk of Leaving Millions on the Table this Tax Season

Milwaukee Metro Area Residents at Risk of Missing Out on >$60 million in tax credits

Citizen Action of Wisconsin Endorses Chris Larson for Milwaukee County Executive
Press Release

Citizen Action of Wisconsin Endorses Chris Larson for Milwaukee County Executive

Citizen Action of Wisconsin has 12,812 members in Milwaukee County.

Citizen Action of Wisconsin Endorses Judge Joe Donald for State Supreme Court
Press Release

Citizen Action of Wisconsin Endorses Judge Joe Donald for State Supreme Court

Judge Joe Donald the most experienced & qualified judicial candidate

New Report: Milwaukee Has Most Expensive Health Insurance in Wisconsin
Press Release

New Report: Milwaukee Has Most Expensive Health Insurance in Wisconsin

Milwaukee consumers pay $2,221 more than Madison for a single policy

Wisconsin Only State Not to Release Actual 2016 Health Insurance Rates
Press Release

Wisconsin Only State Not to Release Actual 2016 Health Insurance Rates

For the 3rd year in a row, Citizen Action calls on the Walker Administration to stop hiding Healthcare.gov insurance rates from consumers.

Prescription Drug Deductibles Vary from $400 to $2,500 between Wisconsin Cities
Press Release

Prescription Drug Deductibles Vary from $400 to $2,500 between Wisconsin Cities

Report finds consumer exposure to drug costs vary widely by region

Marquette College of Nursing to Host Citizen Action on the High Cost of Healthcare in Milwaukee
Press Release

Marquette College of Nursing to Host Citizen Action on the High Cost of Healthcare in Milwaukee

Milwaukee constantly listed as one of the highest cost metros in the state. Citizen Action to share latest data and policy proposals

Legislative Leaders and Citizen Action Call on Walker to Make Course Correction on BadgerCare
Press Release

Legislative Leaders and Citizen Action Call on Walker to Make Course Correction on BadgerCare

Wisconsin is adding mostly poverty-wage jobs, which is increasing BadgerCare enrollment.

State Lawmakers Need an Economic Opportunity Strategy
Press Release

State Lawmakers Need an Economic Opportunity Strategy

State Senate Invitation-Only Listening Tour Will be Closed to Outside Voices

Citizen Action Applauds Proposal to Scrap Walker’s Discredited Jobs Agency
Press Release

Citizen Action Applauds Proposal to Scrap Walker’s Discredited Jobs Agency

Over 2,900 Wisconsinites have signed a petition calling for the closure of the agency on Citizen Action of Wisconsin’s website.

Legislators Introduce Bill to Challenge Excessive Health Insurance Rates
Press Release

Legislators Introduce Bill to Challenge Excessive Health Insurance Rates

Walker Administration’s Insurance Commissioner has refused to police health insurance rate increases. Legislation would require state action to protect consumers.

Walker Administration’s Lax Health Insurance Regulation Costly for Wisconsin Consumers
Press Release

Walker Administration’s Lax Health Insurance Regulation Costly for Wisconsin Consumers

Wisconsin has among the highest health insurance rates in the nation on the individual insurance market, and inflation rates that are well above average.

Walker’s Health Plan Would Make Wisconsin One of the Most Expensive States, Minnesota Lowest
Press Release

Walker’s Health Plan Would Make Wisconsin One of the Most Expensive States, Minnesota Lowest

Walker’s tax credit plan worse for states like Wisconsin with high health insurance costs. Regional health insurance price changes provided in analysis

Scott Walker’s “Bait and Switch” Health Care Plan Would Force Millions Off Health Coverage
Press Release

Scott Walker’s “Bait and Switch” Health Care Plan Would Force Millions Off Health Coverage

Supposed plan is a thinly veiled excuse to go backwards and to legalize discrimination

Scott Walker to Announce Health Repeal Plan in State That Shows Value of Working to Improve the Law
Press Release

Scott Walker to Announce Health Repeal Plan in State That Shows Value of Working to Improve the Law

Health care law is here to stay; It’s time to work together to make it better, bring costs down

Citizen Action Applauds WEDC Outsourcing Accountability Bills
Press Release

Citizen Action Applauds WEDC Outsourcing Accountability Bills

The bills are AB 340 in the Assembly and SB 211 in the Senate.

Feds Push Wisconsin to Review Excessive Health Insurance Rate Increases
Press Release

Feds Push Wisconsin to Review Excessive Health Insurance Rate Increases

Citizen Action Calls for Public Hearings on Large Premium Hikes

New Report: Governor Scott Walker’s Disastrous Wisconsin Health Care Record
Press Release

New Report: Governor Scott Walker’s Disastrous Wisconsin Health Care Record

“WalkerCare: A Bad Prescription for America” documents Scott Walker’s sabotage of health care reform in Wisconsin

New Federal Data Shows Tremendous Benefit of Affordable Care Act for Milwaukee County
Press Release

New Federal Data Shows Tremendous Benefit of Affordable Care Act for Milwaukee County

New local enrollment data paints detailed picture of Healthcare.gov enrollment in Milwaukee County

Wisconsin Dodges Bullet on Health Care Freedom
Press Release

Wisconsin Dodges Bullet on Health Care Freedom

Wisconsinites were especially at risk because of Governor Scott Walker’s refusal to develop contingency plans for an adverse Supreme Court ruling.

Walker Has No Plan for Looming Health Care Disaster
Press Release

Walker Has No Plan for Looming Health Care Disaster

Dangerous U.S. Supreme Court Decision Could Come Next Week

Data Calls into Question Fairness of WEDC’s Jobs Impact
Press Release

Data Calls into Question Fairness of WEDC’s Jobs Impact

Partisan imbalance found in WEDC’s own data

Rejecting BadgerCare Money Costing Nearly $400 Million in State Budget
Press Release

Rejecting BadgerCare Money Costing Nearly $400 Million in State Budget

The Joint Finance Committee is expected to take up the issue later today.

Walker’s Jobs Agency Reforms Only Scratch the Surface
Press Release

Walker’s Jobs Agency Reforms Only Scratch the Surface

Citizen Action of Wisconsin renewed it’s call to scrap WEDC.

Governor Walker’s Failed Jobs Agency Should be Scrapped
Press Release

Governor Walker’s Failed Jobs Agency Should be Scrapped

The structure of WEDC raises questions about undue influence, further undermining public’s trust in their own government

Growth of Poverty Wage Jobs Makes Rejection of BadgerCare Dollars a Fiscal Threat
Press Release

Growth of Poverty Wage Jobs Makes Rejection of BadgerCare Dollars a Fiscal Threat

The number of Wisconsin workers eligible for BadgerCare and who work for large poverty wage employers has increased by 8% over the last year.

Citizen Action Applauds Outsourcing  Accountability Bill
Press Release

Citizen Action Applauds Outsourcing Accountability Bill

On Tuesday Citizen Action of Wisconsin called on the Legislature to enact stronger accountability measures.

Outsourcing Scandal Re-emerges at WEDC
Press Release

Outsourcing Scandal Re-emerges at WEDC

“It is scandalous that state policy still allows public money to go to corporations engaged in outsourcing jobs.”

Military Spending Not BadgerCare Real Threat  to Wisconsin Budget
Press Release

Military Spending Not BadgerCare Real Threat to Wisconsin Budget

Over 25% of Walker’s budget proposal comes from the federal government.

Report Reveals Wisconsin Health Insurance Rates Still Dramatically Higher than Minnesota’s
Press Release

Report Reveals Wisconsin Health Insurance Rates Still Dramatically Higher than Minnesota’s

Milwaukee Health Insurance Costs 52% Higher than in Minnesota

Campaign on State Supreme Court Amendment a Distortion of Democracy
Press Release

Campaign on State Supreme Court Amendment a Distortion of Democracy

Phone Calls Turn Up Massive Voter Confusion

Walker Denies His Responsibility to Safeguard Health Care for Over 184,000 Wisconsinites
Press Release

Walker Denies His Responsibility to Safeguard Health Care for Over 184,000 Wisconsinites

Greater Milwaukee Data on Impact Released Today

New Wisconsin Poll Shows Public Wants Major Changes to Budget on Health Care
Press Release

New Wisconsin Poll Shows Public Wants Major Changes to Budget on Health Care

The polling shows massive public support for Wisconsin to take the enhanced federal funding for BadgerCare rejected in the Governor’s budget.

Walker Signs So-Called Right to Work at Outsourcing Multinational Corporation
Press Release

Walker Signs So-Called Right to Work at Outsourcing Multinational Corporation

"Walker’s economic policy is based on the blind trust of corporate CEOs who sell out working families."

The Path Forward After Passage of So-Called Right to Work
Press Release

The Path Forward After Passage of So-Called Right to Work

"The passage of this bill is another step in the conspiracy of multinational corporations and right wing billionaires to rig the economy against average working people."

Legislation Announced to Accept Federal BadgerCare Funds on Iowa Terms
Press Release

Legislation Announced to Accept Federal BadgerCare Funds on Iowa Terms

The bill adopts the approach taken by Iowa’s Republican Governor Terry Branstad.

Pressure Mounting to Overturn Walker’s Budget Stances on BadgerCare and UW System Cuts
Press Release

Pressure Mounting to Overturn Walker’s Budget Stances on BadgerCare and UW System Cuts

“We have not seen this level of activity in our grassroots networks since the protests of 2011.”

UW System is Collateral Damage from Walker’s Rejection of Federal BadgerCare Dollars
Press Release

UW System is Collateral Damage from Walker’s Rejection of Federal BadgerCare Dollars

This headless decision is a disaster not only for health care but also for higher education.

Indiana Makes Wisconsin Last Great Lakes State Not to Take Medicaid Dollars
Press Release

Indiana Makes Wisconsin Last Great Lakes State Not to Take Medicaid Dollars

Indiana’s Republican Governor reached a deal Tuesday to accept enhanced federal dollars to strengthen its Medicaid program.

Iowa a Model for How Wisconsin Can Accept Federal Funds for BadgerCare
Press Release

Iowa a Model for How Wisconsin Can Accept Federal Funds for BadgerCare

Iowa Has Same Eligibility, Mix of Public and Private Insurance, but Feds Pay for it and make affordable for consumers

WEDC Merger Must Include Fix to Outsourcing Loopholes
Press Release

WEDC Merger Must Include Fix to Outsourcing Loopholes

oday Citizen Action of Wisconsin called on Governor Walker and lawmakers to use the proposed merger of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) as an opportunity to fix the loopholes that allow public economic development dollars to go to companies engaged in outsourcing jobs.

Milwaukee Area Physicians to See Major Pay Cut Without Immediate Legislative Action
Press Release

Milwaukee Area Physicians to See Major Pay Cut Without Immediate Legislative Action

Up to 1,439 primary care physicians in Greater Milwaukee to face 45% cut in Medicaid payments unless Walker and Legislature act to continue enhanced reimbursement levels.

Health Reform Saves Lives in Wisconsin
Press Release

Health Reform Saves Lives in Wisconsin

Prevention of hospital acquired conditions saved 50,000 lives nationally, an estimated 959 saved in Wisconsin

Outsourcing Loopholes Never Fixed by Walker Administration
Press Release

Outsourcing Loopholes Never Fixed by Walker Administration

Outsourcing Safeguards Were Never Implemented

Citizen Action Files Open Records Request for Insurance Industry Lobbying on BadgerCare
Press Release

Citizen Action Files Open Records Request for Insurance Industry Lobbying on BadgerCare

Citizen Action asks Walker Administration to release all correspondence with insurance industry on the issue of federal funding for BadgerCare.

Largest National Health Insurer Got Over $12 Million from Walker BadgerCare Decision
Press Release

Largest National Health Insurer Got Over $12 Million from Walker BadgerCare Decision

Wellpoint Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin got over $12 million from BadgerCare decision.

State Records Show Insurance Industry Lobbied on BadgerCare
Press Release

State Records Show Insurance Industry Lobbied on BadgerCare

Lobbying records from (GAB) call into question Governor Walker’s blanket denial that the insurance industry lobbied his administration to reject federal funds for BadgerCare.

Walker Stumbles Badly Explaining Insurance Industry Influence on BadgerCare Decision
Press Release

Walker Stumbles Badly Explaining Insurance Industry Influence on BadgerCare Decision

Gov. Walker was caught off guard and stumbled through his response.

Public Event: Marquette University Debate Today on Upcoming BadgerCare Referendums
Press Release

Public Event: Marquette University Debate Today on Upcoming BadgerCare Referendums

Tuesday October 14th at 2:30 PM, Citizen Action of Wisconsin will participated in the only public debate scheduled on the upcoming Milwaukee County referendum on BadgerCare funding.

Campaign Contributors Benefited from Walker Rejection of BadgerCare Dollars
Press Release

Campaign Contributors Benefited from Walker Rejection of BadgerCare Dollars

Insurance Companies getting windfall of public dollars also donated big money to Walker and legislators

Good Government Advocates Call for Walker to Step Down from WEDC
Press Release

Good Government Advocates Call for Walker to Step Down from WEDC

In light of conflicts of interest, emergency action needed to protect public job creation dollars from legal bribery

Coalition Highlights New Model of Preventing the Heroin/Opioid Health Crisis in Wisconsin Youth
Press Release

Coalition Highlights New Model of Preventing the Heroin/Opioid Health Crisis in Wisconsin Youth

Healthy Youth, Bright Futures Coalition launches during National Recovery Month to showcase prevention efforts to curb youth drug and alcohol misuse in Wisconsin

Milwaukee Small Group Insurance Cost Over 33% Higher Than Minneapolis
Press Release

Milwaukee Small Group Insurance Cost Over 33% Higher Than Minneapolis

Report finds Wisconsin small businesses paying more for health coverage than Minnesota on average because of failure to use available tools.

Citizen Action Calls on Walker Administration to Release 2015 Health Insurance Rates
Press Release

Citizen Action Calls on Walker Administration to Release 2015 Health Insurance Rates

Walker Administration withholding 2015 Healthcare.gov insurance premium rates while most states have released them.

Citizen Action Praises Fed Decision to Grant Special Enrollment Period for 38,000 Wisconsinites Forced into Coverage Gap
Press Release

Citizen Action Praises Fed Decision to Grant Special Enrollment Period for 38,000 Wisconsinites Forced into Coverage Gap

The special enrollment period will give these Wisconsin residents 60 days to enroll in the Federal health insurance marketplace for 2014.

Citizen Action Urges Special Enrollment Period for 38,000 Wisconsinites Forced into Coverage Gap
Press Release

Citizen Action Urges Special Enrollment Period for 38,000 Wisconsinites Forced into Coverage Gap

Supports Senator Baldwin’s Request to Reopen Enrollment for Wisconsinites forced off BadgerCare by Governor Walker

New State BadgerCare Numbers Reveals Local Costs
Press Release

New State BadgerCare Numbers Reveals Local Costs

Legislative Fiscal Bureau memo shows the cost and lost opportunity of rejecting federal funds for BadgerCare. Data for first time broken down for county level.

One Third of Wisconsinites Will Have BadgerCare Referendums on the November Ballot
Press Release

One Third of Wisconsinites Will Have BadgerCare Referendums on the November Ballot

Eight counties advance advisory referendum on accepting the federal funds for BadgerCare, covering 1.97 million Wisconsin residents.

Latest Enrollment Numbers Prove Forcing Thousands off BadgerCare a Mistake
Press Release

Latest Enrollment Numbers Prove Forcing Thousands off BadgerCare a Mistake

The decision to force low income residents into the private market has created a new coverage gap for 38,000 in Wisconsin.

Healthcare Organizations Say “Vote YES!” on Milwaukee BadgerCare Referendum
Press Release

Healthcare Organizations Say “Vote YES!” on Milwaukee BadgerCare Referendum

15 health organizations encourage Milwaukee county residents to vote “YES” on referendum to accept federal funds for BadgerCare

Citizen Action Calls on Walker Administration to Release Critical BadgerCare Numbers
Press Release

Citizen Action Calls on Walker Administration to Release Critical BadgerCare Numbers

Despite claim by Walker Administration that the numbers of residents who had signed up for Marketplace plans after being forced off BadgerCare would be released in June, enrollment numbers are still missing.

Over 1.6 Million Wisconsinites to See Referendum on BadgerCare Funding on November Ballot
Press Release

Over 1.6 Million Wisconsinites to See Referendum on BadgerCare Funding on November Ballot

Today the Milwaukee County Board approved placing an advisory referendum on the November ballot asking voters whether the State of Wisconsin should accept enhanced federal funds for BadgerCare.

Citizen Action of Wisconsin Takes New Approach to Keep Youth on Healthy Path
Press Release

Citizen Action of Wisconsin Takes New Approach to Keep Youth on Healthy Path

Proven Strategies Can Improve Access to Screening, Intervention for Risky Drug and Alcohol Use By Teens

Eau Claire County Approves Referendum to Accept Funds for BadgerCare
Press Release

Eau Claire County Approves Referendum to Accept Funds for BadgerCare

Earlier this week the Eau Claire County Board approved placing an advisory referendum on the November ballot asking voters whether the State of Wisconsin should accept enhanced federal funds for BadgerCare rejected by Walker and conservatives in the Legislature.

Gov. Walker Rejection of Federal Funds for BadgerCare Costs Wisconsin over $1 Million per Day
Press Release

Gov. Walker Rejection of Federal Funds for BadgerCare Costs Wisconsin over $1 Million per Day

Wisconsinites forced off BadgerCare have until end of month to sign up for private coverage

New Data: New WEDC Job Numbers Shows Massive County Disparity in Economic Development.
Press Release

New Data: New WEDC Job Numbers Shows Massive County Disparity in Economic Development.

Many counties with high unemployment ignored by WEDC, Waukesha county largest beneficiary

Report: ACA Enrollment Before March 31st a Powerful Job Creation Tool.
Press Release

Report: ACA Enrollment Before March 31st a Powerful Job Creation Tool.

Premium tax credits inject needed revenue into local economies. 1 job created for every 30 people signed up.

Walker Defends Funneling More Job Dollars to Republican Districts
Press Release

Walker Defends Funneling More Job Dollars to Republican Districts

Over the weekend Governor Scott Walker responded to a recent report by Citizen Action of Wisconsin

WEDC Data Shows Partisan Correlation to Job Creation
Press Release

WEDC Data Shows Partisan Correlation to Job Creation

Report finds WEDC job creation/retention figures much higher in Republican districts, large geographic variation

Growth, Age, of Wisconsin Healthcare Signups Continue to Raise Concerns
Press Release

Growth, Age, of Wisconsin Healthcare Signups Continue to Raise Concerns

Wisconsin's enrollment falls behind MN, IL, Nation both in increase in enrolled and in average age.

Walker’s Roadblocks to Affordable Care Act Enrollment Support Unconstitutional
Press Release

Walker’s Roadblocks to Affordable Care Act Enrollment Support Unconstitutional

An important court decision late last week calls into question the constitutionality of additional burdens placed on health care enrollment navigators by the Walker Administration.

Legislators Seek to Outlaw Discrimination Against Long-Term Unemployed
Press Release

Legislators Seek to Outlaw Discrimination Against Long-Term Unemployed

At a media event Wednesday at the State Capitol, Citizen Action of Wisconsin, State Representative Mandela Barnes and State Senator Dave Hansen announced legislation banning employment discrimination against the long term unemployed.

Citizen Action Alarmed by Gov. Walker’s Support of Poverty Wage Agencies
Press Release

Citizen Action Alarmed by Gov. Walker’s Support of Poverty Wage Agencies

Governor Walker's support of less-than-minimum-wage industries reveals shocking disregard for fair pay

Citizen Action Applauds Senator Baldwin’s Call to Delay Cuts to BadgerCare
Press Release

Citizen Action Applauds Senator Baldwin’s Call to Delay Cuts to BadgerCare

Citizen Action of Wisconsin applauds Senator Baldwin’s common sense proposals to assure that Wisconsin families who need health coverage do not fall between the cracks.

New Report Confirms Citizen Action Research on Wisconsin-Minnesota Health Insurance Rate Disparity
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New Report Confirms Citizen Action Research on Wisconsin-Minnesota Health Insurance Rate Disparity

St. Paul Pioneer Press and Kaiser Family Foundation Research Confirm Citizen Action’s Report

New Report Explains Why Wisconsin Health Insurance Rates Dramatically Higher than Minnesota’s
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New Report Explains Why Wisconsin Health Insurance Rates Dramatically Higher than Minnesota’s

Decisions made by Wisconsin explains massive health insurance premium disparity between MN and WI on new health insurance marketplaces

Leaders Propose Granting Federal Medicaid Funds to WI Counties, Cite Ohio Model
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Leaders Propose Granting Federal Medicaid Funds to WI Counties, Cite Ohio Model

On 48th anniversary of the start of Medicaid, county leaders point to alternative means of covering citizens

Alberta Darling Stonewalls on Venture Capital Bill’s Economic Basis
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Alberta Darling Stonewalls on Venture Capital Bill’s Economic Basis

Denies clear and reasonable open records request just ahead of Senate vote, denying public and legislator information needed for informed judgement.

Venture Capital Bill Should Be Delayed Until Evidence of Job Creation Produced
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Venture Capital Bill Should Be Delayed Until Evidence of Job Creation Produced

Under the guise of job creation, the State Senate is poised to pass Venture Capital Legislation (SB 169) on Tuesday. The companion bill (AB 181) has already passed the Assembly.

Citizen Action of Wisconsin Supports Congressman Pocan’s Stance on Protecting Medicare & Medicaid
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Citizen Action of Wisconsin Supports Congressman Pocan’s Stance on Protecting Medicare & Medicaid

Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) spoke to seniors today on the need to protect vital programs like Medicare and Medicaid.

The Sequester That Didn’t Have To Be
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The Sequester That Didn’t Have To Be

Citizen Action of Wisconsin Calls on Congress TO End the Cuts by Reining in Pentagon Waste and Making Big Corporations and Millionaires Pay Their Fair Share

Pull the Pork From the Pentagon!
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Pull the Pork From the Pentagon!

With Sequester Looming, Community Groups Demand Senator Ron Johnson Protect the Interests of the People of Wisconsin, Not Corporate Special Interests and Defense Contractors.

Congressman Pocan and Citizen Action of Wisconsin Urge Action to Avert the Sequester and Protect Wisconsin Jobs and Middle Class Families
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Congressman Pocan and Citizen Action of Wisconsin Urge Action to Avert the Sequester and Protect Wisconsin Jobs and Middle Class Families

Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) held a media conference today with Executive Director of Citizen Action of Wisconsin Robert Kraig, highlighting the urgent need to avert the sequester and protect Wisconsin jobs and middle class families.

Budget Response: Walker’s Medicaid Plan Immorally Places Politics Above the Health Security of Wisconsin Citizens
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Budget Response: Walker’s Medicaid Plan Immorally Places Politics Above the Health Security of Wisconsin Citizens

In anticipation of Governor Walker’s budget address this evening, when he will formally announce his plan to turn down billions in health care reform dollars earmarked for Wisconsin, Citizen Action of Wisconsin Executive Director Robert Kraig made the following statement

Citizens Call on Gov. Walker to Accept Billions of Federal Dollars to Strengthen BadgerCare
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Citizens Call on Gov. Walker to Accept Billions of Federal Dollars to Strengthen BadgerCare

State Sen. Dave Hansen, local residents waiting for healthcare coverage speak out.

Initial Reaction to Walker Decision to Turn Down Medicaid Money
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Initial Reaction to Walker Decision to Turn Down Medicaid Money

At a news conference in Madison this afternoon Governor Scott Walker announced his plans to turn down billions of dollars in new federal Medicaid money to fill the holes in Wisconsin’s BadgerCare program.

Walker Injects False Issue in Medicaid Decision
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Walker Injects False Issue in Medicaid Decision

In response to growing pressure to accept billions of dollars in federal Medicaid money to fill the holes in BadgerCare, and guarantee that over 170,000 Wisconsinites have access to the secure health care they need to prosper and succeed, Governor Walker has been injected a false reason for not taking the money.

Wisconsin Mental Health Agencies Will Lose Out on Millions if Walker Rejects Medicaid Dollars
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Wisconsin Mental Health Agencies Will Lose Out on Millions if Walker Rejects Medicaid Dollars

At a press conference Thursday morning health advocates highlighted a crisis fast approaching.

Wisconsin Business Taxes Will Increase Millions if Walker Rejects Medicaid Dollars
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Wisconsin Business Taxes Will Increase Millions if Walker Rejects Medicaid Dollars

On a Media Call Friday morning health advocates discussed new research that shows that Wisconsin businesses will pay $120 million more in federal taxes if Governor Scott Walker rejects increased federal Medicaid money offered by the Affordable Care Act, the national health care reform law.

New Wisconsin Health Insurance Cost Ranking
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New Wisconsin Health Insurance Cost Ranking

Milwaukee and Racine Have Highest Health Insurance Costs in State for 2013

Walker Reversal on Same Day Registration Does Not Go Far Enough
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Walker Reversal on Same Day Registration Does Not Go Far Enough

According to press reports today Governor Walker has reversed himself on repealing same day registration, stating he would not sign a bill that cost as much money as the Government Accountability Board has estimated.

Is There a Walker Secret Health Exchange Plan?
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Is There a Walker Secret Health Exchange Plan?

Open records suggest Walker may propose substandard exchange, setting up a showdown with the Federal Government