News from the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin.

MADISON - It’s been a rough week for citizens who are concerned about groundwater in Wisconsin or healthcare in our nation.

The State Assembly on Tuesday passed SB76, which allows currently existing High Capacity Wells to be repaired, reconstructed, replaced or transferred without further review to assess cumulative effects on the aquifer. With lowered stream and lake levels already in some parts of the state, this is a license to withdraw large amounts of water – a license that never expires. The bill is now headed to the Governor to be signed into law.

Click here to urge Gov. Walker to protect our groundwater by vetoing SB76 or call him at 608-266-1212.

The House of Representatives in a narrow vote approved a bill to repeal and replace major parts of the Affordable Care Act. The representatives had no idea how much it would cost. The bill is now headed to the Senate.

According to LWV-US, if it passes:

• 24 million Americans will lose coverage by 2020
• Costs will increase for many seniors and those with pre-existing conditions
• Women will go back to paying more than men for basic care
• Women will lose access to safe abortion care and see increases in costs for birth control
• Millions of children, seniors and people with disabilities who are currently covered by Medicaid will no longer be able to get the care they need

Click here to see how your Representative voted. Call 202-224-3121 to leave a message for Senator Ron Johnson or Senator Tammy Baldwin.

In better news, this week the state legislature’s Joint Finance Committee wisely stripped from the budget a proposal to place the Wisconsin Judicial Commission under the control of the Supreme Court. The League opposed that plan -- as we did in 2015 -- because the Commission must stay independent in case it has to investigate the actions of a Supreme Court justice.

We’re proud of our LWV WI Voter Education Coordinator, Erin Grunze, who has been recognized by GiveGab as a Nonprofit Champion.

Click here to see the latest information about our State Annual Meeting, June 9-10 in Green Bay. We’ve added three Small Group Discussions designed to strengthen local Leagues to our Friday evening schedule. 

* For more depth, click here to see who are the winners and losers under the House healthcare bill.