GREEN BAY - On a media call Monday, county officials from throughout Wisconsin pushed for the Wisconsin Legislature to overturn the decision by Governor Walker to reject billions in federal Medicaid funds for the state’s BadgerCare program. County officials from Dane, Racine, La Crosse, Milwaukee, Sauk and Brown counties spoke out against the decision by Walker and its impact on Wisconsin counties. Resolutions are being introduced in 15 counties, and the list is growing.

County officials requested that if the Legislature does not reverse Walker’s decision, the Governor should as an alternative partner with Wisconsin counties to request federal Medicaid funds to extend health coverage.  Although the increased Medicaid dollars under health care reform have to go through the state, Wisconsin could seek a demonstration project where the state distributed federal dollars to interested countries similar to FamilyCare, another Medicaid program. Elected officials from 15 Wisconsin counties are planning on introducing resolutions at their county board calling on the legislature to explore in this concept.

"Government has a financial responsibility--to its residents and taxpayers - to use their money in the wisest way possible. It seems to me wise to use the federal Medicaid funds to provide more people with health care coverage for less cost," said Dan Robinson, Brown County Supervisor, Vice-Chair of Human Services Committee. "If state government isn't willing to do what makes sense, then it needs to give the counties that ability. People are hurting, and we need to act to help them and to save tax money."

“Dane County, it is estimated, has over 13,000 individuals who would have had access to BadgerCare as an option had Wisconsin accepted these funds. The legislature still can,” said Melissa Sargent, State Representative and Dane County Health & Human Needs Chair. “If we fail to say ‘Yes’ to BadgerCare then we are condemning our friends and neighbors access to lifesaving care that they were promised. A promise broken not because of concern with access or cost, but because of political posturing.”

“The Governor’s budget proposal means less health security for Wisconsin families for more money,” said Robert Kraig, Executive Director of Citizen Action of Wisconsin.  “If the Legislature does not overturn his decision, Walker should at least enable Wisconsin counties to use the federal dollars he is leaving on the table to extend health coverage for their own residents.”

There is no deadline for accepting enhanced federal Medicaid dollars under the Affordable Care Act. Federal Medicaid funds for BadgerCare can be accepted at any time.

List of Counties Introducing Resolutions and Contacts

Brown - Supervisor Dan Robinson, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Columbia - Supervisor Sue Bradley, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Dane - Supervisor Melissa Sargent, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Dunn - Supervisor Tom Quinn, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Eau Claire - Supervisor Gerald (Jerry) Wilkie, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

La Crosse - Supervisor Monica Kruse, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Lincoln - Supervisor James Alber, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Marathon - Supervisor John Robinson, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Milwaukee - Supervisor David Bowen, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Oneida - Supervisor Candy Sorensen, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Racine - Supervisor Ken Hall, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Richland - Supervisor Tom Crofton, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Sauk - Supervisor John Dietz, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Vernon - Supervisor Jim Servais, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Winnebago - Supervisor Larry Lautenschlager, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it