Supporting Quality Health Care
Health services are a critical aspect of supporting people’s livelihoods, and Wisconsin’s health system has ranked in the top ten in the nation, including for cost of care. Legislative Republicans understand this necessity and made investments in the budget to maintain the quality of care.
Notable provisions include:
- Increasing the hospital assessment to receive more federal matching funds for hospitals and offsetting Medicaid costs
- $4.6M to raise reimbursement rates for obstetric services
- $6.2M to raise reimbursement rates for opioid treatment services
- Increased wages for providers of home and community-based services
- $1.6M to increase grants to federally-qualified health centers
- $7M for 988 suicide and crisis lifeline grants
- $14M to increase the Medicaid reimbursement rates for private duty nursing services provided by RNs and LPNs
Medicaid accounted for a fifth of general purpose spending, highlighting the need for integrity and sound budgeting to maintain the service. The cost included continuing the minimum fee schedule in the current Family Care contract, an essential provision for preserving long-term care services.
The budget overall allocated $7 billion to support quality healthcare in our state. We remain committed to fiscal principles while addressing the healthcare needs of our state and collaborating with relevant stakeholders to improve health services for constituents.
The Future of GBCI
I joined the Allouez Village Board meeting with area lawmakers this week to discuss the future of Green Bay Correctional Institution. There remains a need for legislative action to close the facility, and I’m confident such a proposal is forthcoming to progress on decommissioning.
There is a level of agreement at this time between legislators, the governor, and the village that we did not have even a year ago. This must remain a priority, and I’m committed to building on the momentum by deliberating on areas of contention and finally taking care of this issue.
Meeting Our Veterans
[see featured photo above] Thank you to the Oconto County United Veterans Council for inviting me to attend your annual meeting last week at American Legion Post #342 in Lena.It was a terrific opportunity to discuss local veterans’ issues and have the honor of meeting so many who have served our country and now live in our communities.
Fair Season Continues
The Oconto County Fair held its opening ceremony this week in Gillett and will continue throughout the weekend. Take this opportunity to enjoy the community this Summer with your family and friends. See the schedule for all the activities available throughout the weekend by clicking the image below.
Follow Along on Facebook
Want to hear more about what’s going on in Madison and the district? Follow my Facebook page for weekly updates and to learn more about bills, events, and efforts I’m involved in. Find my Facebook page here: facebook.com/RepSteffen/.
Contact Me
My office is always available to help with any state-related questions or concerns you may have. You can reach my office at (608) 237-9104, or email me at Rep.Steffen@legis.wisconsin.
