GOP cuts continue to jeopardize the health of Wisconsin families say Democrats. By rejecting federal funding for Medicaid, Republicans continue to force more unnecessary cuts to critical health care programs.

MADISON – By rejecting federal funding for Medicaid, Republicans continue to force more unnecessary cuts to critical health care programs for children, families and seniors in Wisconsin. In an unexpected move on Tuesday, Republicans on the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee voted to reject a motion to shore up Wisconsin’s Cancer Reporting System (WCRS) and improve cancer research efforts. Health care advocacy organizations including the Wisconsin Breast Cancer Coalition have advocated for greater investments in the WCRS and listed it as a top priority in this budget. 

“Nearly everyone in our state knows someone who has been affected by cancer,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse). “This latest Republican decision to reject critical funding for cancer research, treatment and prevention efforts will have a devastating impact on Wisconsin families. It’s time for Republicans to start investing in Wisconsin families rather than selling out our state to support Gov. Walker’s presidential ambitions.”

According to the Wisconsin Breast Cancer Coalition, the WCRS is severely underfunded. The WCRS has a staff to case ratio that is 3rd highest in the nation and a caseload ratio that is nearly double the national average. 

Sen. Shilling has been an outspoken advocate for increased cancer research. In 2009, she successfully passed the Cancer Research and Advancement Act which allows scientists and doctors to collaborate more closely on cancer research, cancer prevention and cancer control efforts.