Introducing Wisconsin’s Safe Baby Food Act
I was pleased to introduce Wisconsin’s Safe Baby Food Act this week with Senator Cabral-Guevara. The proposal requires transparency and disclosure of toxic metals in formula and baby food sold in Wisconsin.
In the wake of extensive investigative reporting and Consumer Reports that revealed concerning levels of toxic elements in numerous baby formula and food products, several states have enacted bipartisan laws to protect babies from harmful exposure. Such state laws fill the gap in the absence of adequate federal oversight and action.
Under the bill, baby food and formula sold in Wisconsin will have a QR code on the product label that links directly to information regarding levels of lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium in the product. If a manufacturer doesn’t test for these toxic elements, the QR code on the product must go directly to a webpage disclosing that the product hasn’t been tested for these toxic heavy metals.
Parents expect that the formula or food they’re feeding their baby is safe, and if it’s not, parents certainly deserve to know. Having an accessible way to check products for dangerous levels of toxins empowers consumers to make the safest choices when purchasing these products.
Justice for All Act Proceeds
[see featured photo above] I testified with Senator Wimberger this week before the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety on SB 546, the Justice for All Act. I appreciated the opportunity to highlight case backlog issues facing our justice system and address how this bill takes a tremendous step in improving conditions. Providing adequate courtroom staffing through measured increases in assistant public defenders, support staff, prosecutors, and judges will reduce the untenable felony backlog we’re seeing statewide and in Brown County.Staffing issues are exacerbating slowdowns in the justice system, creating a disservice to victims, the accused, and property taxpayers. This legislation takes necessary action to improve an essential state responsibility and deliver public safety, justice, and local financial benefits. The bill received bipartisan support in the Assembly Committee on Judiciary, where it passed unanimously and now awaits an appearance on the Assembly floor. I am incredibly thankful for the widespread support thus far and hope to see a similar result as it awaits a committee vote in the Senate.
Lowering Healthcare Costs
In the Assembly Committee on Insurance this week, I voted to pass AB 819, which allows healthcare providers to offer a prompt-payment discount with a cap at 15%. This bill repeals a decades-old statute to cut red tape and uses accepted federal guidance to permit providers to offer discounted care through prompt pay discounts. The bill includes appropriate safeguards to ensure discounts are offered responsibly and don’t merely function as improper inducements or cost-shifting.
This targeted update will promote administrative efficiency, reduce collection costs for providers, and deliver direct savings to patients who pay their bills promptly. I’m glad to support this effort to remove outdated regulations and take a step in the right direction to lower healthcare costs. I am looking forward to the Assembly passing this legislation to deliver legitimate cost savings for patients statewide.
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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.
