Refusing to Expand Medicaid is Fiscally and Morally Irresponsible

MADISON – A memo released by the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau has confirmed that under the American Rescue Plan Act, Wisconsin could receive an additional $1 billion in federal funding if the BadgerCare program is expanded. This measure is proposed in Governor Tony Evers’ 2021-23 budget.

Senator Agard (D-Madison) released this statement regarding the funding:

“Healthcare is a human right – all Wisconsinites deserve to have access to affordable, quality healthcare. Expanding BadgerCare would provide access to care for 90,000 more people in our state, create over $1 billion in GPR savings, and create good paying jobs for our healthcare heroes. This is a no-brainer – it is irresponsible that Republicans in the legislature are even considering not keeping this provision in the state budget.

“Elected officials take an oath to do what is in the best interest of the state and the people they represent. Republicans who refuse to accept the Medicaid expansion are negatively impacting their constituents and the health of our whole state. The only place this is a partisan issue is in the Capitol. Shutting the door on over a billion dollars for petty, political games and denying health care to tens of thousands of our friends and neighbors across the state is a shocking dereliction of duty.

“The governor’s plan, on the other hand, is people focused and fiscally responsible. I have a proven track record of working for my constituents and will continue to do so as it’s clear that it’s a priority of the people in the 16th District as they have been asking me to advocate for increased access to health care and to act as a good steward of their hard earned tax dollars.”

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.