Vetoes Support Worker Shortages
Governor Tony Evers has declared 2023 as the “Year of Mental Health” and 2024 as the “Year of the Worker”. He acknowledged that the state of mental health in Wisconsin is a growing crisis and that there is a need for more action to be taken. He also expressed his commitment to reducing barriers to employment, enabling every available worker to join the workforce.
Ironically, despite his dedication to these causes, Evers has vetoed more bills during his five years in office than any other governor in Wisconsin history. Although he has signed some bipartisan healthcare bills into law, he has vetoed critical legislation affecting healthcare workers and reducing access to physical and behavioral healthcare for Wisconsinites.
The APRN Nurse Modernization Act (AB 154 / SB 145) aimed to address the shortage of healthcare providers, especially in rural Wisconsin, while recognizing the expertise, degrees, and skills of Advanced Practice Nurses in treating patients. This bill would have allowed nurses to practice independently without needing a collaborative physician agreement, which would have brought Wisconsin in line with almost 30 other states, including Iowa and Minnesota.
AB 541 / SB 515, also vetoed, allowed telehealth services to be provided by out-of-state providers to Wisconsinites. This legislation addressed the shortage of mental healthcare providers and increased access to care for individuals experiencing mental health crises. The bill allowed licensed and credentialed mental health providers from other states to provide immediate telecare for Wisconsinites. This measure benefited rural and underserved areas of Wisconsin, and college students from other states could maintain their home state providers through remote access.
Finally, legislation (AB 144 / SB 158) aimed to improve the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) by streamlining education to employment and allowing healthcare graduates to begin working in healthcare faster after graduation. The bill also gave DSPS additional time to process licensing requests while easing the burden created by worker shortages in the healthcare sector. Additionally, it allowed Wisconsin to join a multistate Social Worker Licensure Compact, which enabled qualified candidates to practice, provide quality care, and protect the public. This bill was supported overwhelmingly by healthcare organizations.
In-District Doings
I attended the Hobart Village board meeting where the Hobart-Lawrence Police Department (HLPD) officially welcomed and swore in its newest officer, Blake Main. Blake graduated from the NWTC LEAD Criminal Justice Program in May of 2020. He was hired in June 2020 by the Seymour Police Department, where he served as a patrol officer until starting as a patrol officer with HLPD.
It’s always fun to visit local restaurants in the 5th district. I brought my two youngest children to join me at Ca$h and $willies for a great Friday Fish Fry.
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District #5 Residents, please contact my office for your copy while supplies last.
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Upcoming Events in District 5
Charity event to support VCR and CERT programs:
Saturday, April 13
11:00AM – 3:00 PM
Tanner’s Grill and Bar – 730 S Railroad St, Kimberly
There will be a bean bag tournament, a meat raffle, a wine pull, a silent and live auction, a 50/50 raffle, and a gun raffle.
Seymour Women’s Club-13th Annual Soup and Sandwich Luncheon:
Sunday, April 14
11:00AM – 2:00 PM
Jackson Point N8055 French Road, Seymour
Proceeds used for Senior Scholarships
St. Ignatius Chesterton Academy Presents “Pride and Prejudice”:
April 26 – 27
St. Mary’s Site Gymnasium 119 W. 7th St. Kaukauna
Alex’s 12th Annual Peace ‘N Love Walk: Saturday, April 27, 2024
10:00 AM – Registration
11:00 AM – Walk Starts
Hydro Park Kaukauna
Proceeds support local families battling cancer
Centennial Center Neighborhood Garage Sale:
June 13, 14, 15
Thur-Sat 8am-4pm
Pebblestone Cir, Castlestone Ct. Isabella Cir, Adriana Ct. Hobart
3rd Annual Hobart Summer Celebration: Saturday, June 29
4:00-8:00 pm
Four Seasons Park, Hobart
Do you know of an event in District 5?
Please contact my office with any upcoming events. I look forward to sharing your event details in the next Goeben Gazette.
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Contact Information
My staff and I are here to serve you. If you have general questions or concerns regarding legislative matters, or if you need assistance with a state agency, please feel free to contact us. We are here to assist you!
We are also happy to schedule a meeting with you, either here in Madison, or in District 5.
Representative Joy Goeben
State Capitol, Room 209 North
PO Box 8952
Madison, WI 53708
Rep.Goeben@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 237-9105 or Toll Free (888) 534-0005
