Eau Claire, Wisc. – Referring to a new memo released by the Wisconsin Legislative Council, Senator Jeff Smith (D-Brunswick) and Rep. Jodi Emerson (D-Eau Claire) are calling on the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) to meet immediately to release $15 million that the legislature already approved and was signed into law by Gov. Evers to address the hospital closure crisis in the Chippewa Valley.

The memo clearly states that JCF may supplement and appropriation if the following three conditions are met: 1.) an emergency exists, 2.) no funds are available for the relevant purpose, and 3.) it was authorized by the Legislature. All three of those conditions are met. The time is now to release the $15 million.

Sen. Smith said, “Here you have it folks. This memo clearly shows the Joint Finance Committee has the authority to release this money. In fact, this isn’t new. It’s been done at least ten times over the last two administrations.”

Rep. Emerson said, “Following the closures of the hospitals, folks are seeing longer waits for essential services and having to travel long distances for necessary procedures and care. People are suffering, and the Republicans on the Joint Committee on Finance have the power to release the funding to our hospitals in the Chippewa Valley. It’s time they do their jobs and stop playing politics when people’s lives are at stake.”