http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/small-business-owners-mf-s5.jpgNew proposal by Erpenbach and Riemer would expand BadgerCare and secure $1.6 Billion for State.

MADISON, WI – In an effort to prioritize the needs of families, communities and small businesses after a tumultuous and traumatic year, Senator Jon Erpenbach (D-West Point) and Representative Daniel Riemer (D-Milwaukee) are introducing LRB 3634 that would expand BadgerCare and secure $1.6 billion in additional funding allocated in the American Rescue Plan Act. After a year of refusing to do their jobs at the height of the pandemic, Republicans have failed to put forth tangible solutions to help Wisconsin’s economic recovery. Instead they have been more focused on attacking the freedoms of Wisconsin youth and voters.

“Wisconsin has an incredible opportunity to make healthcare coverage available for 90,000 residents and to secure an additional $1.6 billion in federal funding,” said Sen. Jon Erpenbach (D-West Point). “Democrats are committed to ensuring a successful economic recovery for Wisconsin communities, families and small businesses. This proposal makes critical investments to revitalize the manufacturing industry, provide mental health facilities, and expand access to reliable broadband across Wisconsin. Especially after the hardships of this past year, it would be both financially and morally wrong to reject this proposal. Republicans once again have an opportunity to do what is right for their constituents and districts that would benefit from these funds.”

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. LRB 3634 would provide health care coverage to thousands of Wisconsinites and invest money into economic development initiatives around the state including, but not limited to:

·         $200 million in Broadband Expansion grants

·         $100 million to replace lead laterals across the state

·         $50 million to the VERSO CO-OP in Wisconsin Rapids

·         $5 million to Green Bay to clean up coal piles and revitalize neighborhoods

·         $20 million for mental health beds at in Wausau and Chippewa Valley

·         $5 million to Door County for the Potowatomi Observation Tower

·         $15 million to the Versiti Blood Research Institute in Milwaukee

·         $530,000 for a new water supply control system for the City of Waukesha

·         $4 million for Memorial Hospital of Lafayette in Darlington

·         $500,000 for the River North Housing Development Project in Manitowoc

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