Democrats renew push for legislation to expand health coverage.

MADISON – As public support and momentum grows for expanding affordable health coverage for 82,000 Wisconsinites, Senator Jon Erpenbach (D-West Point) and Representative Daniel Riemer (D-Milwaukee) are introducing legislation that would accept federal dollars to expand Medicaid. A similar proposal included in Gov. Tony Evers’ original budget proposal was estimated to save taxpayers $324.5 million, but was blocked by Republicans. Additionally, a report by the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance found that premiums were lower in states that expanded Medicaid than in states that did not.

“Democrats are committed to improving access to quality and affordable health care for children, families and seniors across Wisconsin,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse). “For years, Democrats have fought to accept Medicaid funds that would save taxpayers millions, direct more money to additional health initiatives, and free up state resources for schools, roads and job training. Without Medicaid expansion, Wisconsin taxpayers will pay more than $2 billion in federal income taxes over the next two years for other states like New Jersey to expand their Medicaid programs. These are Wisconsin tax dollars that should be invested in Wisconsin, not New Jersey.”

States that have accepted federal dollars to expand Medicaid saw positive impacts on their economies including: an increase in providers in rural areas, reductions in uncompensated care, reductions in medical debt, and better reimbursement rates to attract and retain medical professionals. Additionally, a recent study showed that states that expanded Medicaid saw a significant decrease in infant mortality rates. In the latest Marquette Law Poll, 70% of Wisconsin residents approve of accepting federal funds to expand Medicaid.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/potus-obama-announces-s5.jpgWASHINGTON, D.C. - Former President Obama on Monday called for action in response to back-to-back mass shootings over the weekend and urged Americans to "soundly reject" leaders who feed "a climate of fear and hatred."

NEW YORK, NY - U.S. stock markets plummeted on Monday following China's move to devalue its currency, Beijing's latest step in a tense faceoff on trade with President Trump.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down more than 900 points, or 3.5 percent, in its worst one-day drop in 2019. The S&P 500 had fallen 107 points late in the trading session, or 3.7 percent.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/affordablecareact-s5.jpgGovernor announces that 2020 rates will be 3.2 percent lower than in 2019.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/highway-crowded-s5.jpgSenator Smith explores Wisconsin’s future mass transit needs and the importance of local decision making. Better funding sources are needed so we can make the necessary investments.

https://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/flint-water-crisis-s5.jpgExecutive Order 36 creates coordinator for the state’s efforts to address Wisconsin’s lead crisis and provides all necessary staffing and resources for clean drinking water initiative.

2019 Fiscal Year in Review Report shows refinancing outstanding debt saved money, helped create an estimated 442 new jobs, and an estimated 1,009 construction jobs will be created for new capital projects.

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers on Friday commended the Wisconsin Health and Educational Facilities Authority (WHEFA), which just issued its 2019 Fiscal Year in Review for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019. The report indicates WHEFA saved Wisconsin non-profit institutions nearly $3.9 million by refinancing outstanding debt and completed 18 financings for such institutions totaling more than $1.3 billion.

WHEFA financings during this fiscal year will help create an estimated 442 new jobs and maintain 695 jobs, while an estimated 1,009 construction jobs will be created for new capital projects.

“Tax-exempt financing is an important and effective financing tool for non-profits," said Gov. Evers. “We are extremely appreciative of the great work WHEFA does on behalf of non-profit organizations throughout Wisconsin. The ability to obtain access to capital at the lowest cost is vital to our non-profits, and we look forward to our continued partnership with WHEFA."

Highlights from the fiscal year in review include 13 nonprofit borrowers at 33 Wisconsin locations, that benefited from the bond proceeds during the fiscal year 2019, including four long-term care organizations, five acute-care organizations, two private schools, and two non-profit facilities. These Wisconsin nonprofit organizations employ more than 52,000 people.

“This fiscal year will mark the end of another successful year assisting a variety of non-profits throughout the State," said Executive Director Dennis Reilly. “We are proud of the important role WHEFA has in financing and refinancing critical infrastructure projects for non-profits in Wisconsin. We are also very thankful for the support of the governor as we continue to help the economy move forward by serving all nonprofit institutions seeking to expand and create jobs.”

WHEFA, created by the Legislature in 1973, has been providing active capital financing assistance to Wisconsin nonprofit organizations since 1979. Bonds issued by WHEFA do not utilize any state funds or constitute an indebtedness of the state. The state has no liability to repay any obligation issued by WHEFA under any circumstances.

WASHINGTON,D.C. - The Supreme Court on Friday ruled that the Trump administration can start using military funds to construct a wall on the southern border, handing the president a major legal victory. 

The court’s four liberal justices each partially dissented on the ruling.

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http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/technology-workers-s5.jpgPractice of improperly calling a worker an independent contractor instead of an employee, denying the worker legal protections and benefits, has been extensively used in recent years.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/metallic-sulfide-mining-runoff-s5.jpgDespite mounting evidence linking PFAS to a range of negative health effects including cancer, liver damage, decreased fertility, and increased risk of asthma and thyroid disease, polluters try to minimize it.