Governor’s special session to expand BadgerCare could net State $1.6 billion for economic recovery.

MADISON, WI – Senate Republicans have rejected the Governor’s special session to expand BadgerCare and the additional $1.6 billion for economic recovery. The special session proposal would have reinvested the $1.6 billion in projects in communities across the state including Stevens Point, Green Bay, Superior, Racine, Manitowoc, Eau Claire, and Reedsburg among others. Despite overwhelming public support for BadgerCare expansion, Republicans have ignored the will of Wisconsin residents and blocked investments in their own communities.

“Republicans are saying ‘no’ to $1.6 billion that could be used to ensure economic recovery for Wisconsin communities, families and small businesses,” said Jon Erpenbach (D-West Point). “They are rejecting money for broadband, veteran housing, rural EMS, and mental health all because they don’t want individuals in every corner of this state to have access to affordable health care coverage. We are at a crossroads right now and the Republican choice to reject BadgerCare expansion and the $1.6 billion is taking us on a path to nowhere. This is an embarrassing decision that will cost our state for decades to come.”

After it was announced that Wisconsin is expected to receive $700 million less under the American Rescue Plan Act than previously projected; Democrats have expressed extreme urgency to expand BadgerCare and access the additional $1.6 billion. A full list of the governor’s projects can be found here.