GOP Pushing 4 Bad Bills to Distract from Popular Budget

Did you know that our of 131 current state legislators, only 3 of them have a health care background? 

On April 10th  Republican legislators released a package of 4 bad bills* aimed at chipping away at a woman’s access to abortion in Wisconsin. These bills represent a thinly veiled effort by Republican state legislators to advance their anti-abortion agenda under the guise of protecting women’s health and anti-discrimination legislation.

It’s no surprise that Republican leaders chose to release these bills now in an attempt to distract from the proactive healthcare proposals in Governor Evers’ Budget gaining momentum and popularity. The latest Marquette Law School poll, (released on the same day as the four bad bills) found that 70% of voters believe our state should accept federal funds and expand Medicaid. Support is also growing for Governor Evers’ Healthy Women Healthy Babies initiative in the budget, which invests in programs that support healthier pregnancies and births to address our state’s infant mortality and black healthcare disparities. If the goal is to take attention away from popular policies led by those on the other side of the aisle, it makes perfect sense that GOP leaders are desperate to change the conversation and refocus the public’s attention.

It’s important to note that the communities these 4 bad bills directly affect, have not asked for these bills to be crafted or advanced. On the contrary, these advocacy groups are actively engaged in the budget process and are focused on lifting up evidence-based proposals in Governor Evers’ budget around transportation, education, social supports and healthcare access. 

Because our vision is that every Wisconsin woman - at every age and every stage of life - is able to reach her optimal health, safety and economic security, we will continue to fight to advance the evidence-based policies that can improve the well-being of women and families. We will never shy away from calling out the political games GOP leaders continue to play at the expense of the health and well-being of Wisconsin women.

*AB 179, AB 180, AB 181, AB 182, AB 183