Democratic Radio "Not Expanding BadgerCare Costs Wisconsin" Print
News - Media for State & Local
Written by Democratic Party of Wisconsin   
Friday, 14 April 2017 16:41

walker-healthplanScott Walker's politically motivated refusal to accept federal Medicaid expansion has cost Wisconsin taxpayers nearly $700 million.


MADISON – Today Rep. Debra Kolste (D-Janesville) gave the Democratic Weekly Radio Address on the high cost of not taking the federal Medicaid expansion for BadgerCare:

"A memo was released last week that said that the refusal to accept federal Medicaid expansion has cost Wisconsin taxpayers nearly $700 million. By July 2020, this decision will cost taxpayers an unbelievable $1 billion," said Rep. Kolste. "Not accepting this expansion is one of the worst decisions in a generation. The people of Wisconsin should come before politics."

You can find the audio of this week's address here and the video here or below.

Published on Apr 12, 2017

A written transcript of the address is below:

Debra Kolste"Hi, I’m Representative Deb Kolste with this week’s Democratic Radio Address.

"A memo was released last week that said that the refusal to accept federal Medicaid expansion has cost Wisconsin taxpayers nearly $700 million. By July 2020, this decision will cost taxpayers an unbelievable $1 billion.

"This should not be a partisan issue. Thirty-one other states, many led by Republicans, have accepted the expansion of their Medicaid programs. Many of the remaining 19 states are considering accepting the Medicaid expansion. Yet, not one Wisconsin Republican has shown any willingness to make the smart choice like Republicans in dozens of other states have done.

"It is inexcusable to put the health of our citizens at risk and to unnecessarily cost Wisconsin taxpayers money.

"Taking federal expansion dollars would mean three important things. First, 87,000 more Wisconsinites could get access to BadgerCare and therefore health care. Second, it would mean more money in the general fund for crucial programs, like those aimed at fighting the opioid epidemic. And finally, it would mean a smaller tax burden on the people of Wisconsin.

"Not accepting this expansion is one of the worst decisions in a generation. The people of Wisconsin should come before politics."

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You can find the LFB memo referenced in the address here.