The Republican-led legislature has repeatedly turned down federal funds to expand Medicaid and cover more Wisconsinites under our fantastic BadgerCare program. The Chippewa Valley finds itself in a tenuous position due to the abrupt closure of two hospitals, largely due to the lack of public oversight over our hospital chains. Mental health crises are being funneled into crowded emergency rooms or the other side of the state when it would be healthier and more cost effective to address mental health issues in standalone, proactive mental health clinics. We must reinstate the hospital chain accountability board, work to fund mental healthcare, accept Medicaid expansion, cover more individuals, children, and families through a public option, and move toward the responsible solution: guaranteed, publicly-funded healthcare with no cost at the point of access.
As your representative, I’ve authored legislation to cap prescription drug costs, fill Affordable Care Act subsidy gaps, and create a BadgerCare Public Option — and our efforts expand postpartum Medicaid eligibility for new parents and breast cancer screenings finally got through the Assembly in early 2026 after years of Republican obstruction. I also serve on the Assembly Committee on Public Benefit Reform, where I allied with disability advocates to stop a Republican bill that would’ve added unnecessary, harmful red tape to the Medicaid qualification process.