In an unexpected turn of events, Wisconsin’s Assembly Republicans have decided to move forward with two significant bills focused on women’s health. This decision marks a departure from the previous stance of blocking the legislation for several years.
The proposed bills aim to enhance Medicaid access for postpartum mothers with low incomes and eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for breast cancer screenings. Despite garnering broad bipartisan support over several legislative sessions and passing in the Senate last year, these bills seemed unlikely to be voted on by the Assembly before the year-end adjournment until very recently.
A key obstacle had been Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, who viewed the postpartum Medicaid bill as an expansion of welfare.
On Wednesday night, following extensive closed-door discussions, eight Republican Assembly members announced a resolution with Speaker Vos during a press conference.
Rep. Todd Novak, R-Dodgeville, noted, “Speaker Vos did not support this position at first.”
Tensions arose earlier as Democrats tried to highlight these bills by proposing them as amendments to other legislative measures. This strategy led to heated exchanges, with Rep. Pat Snyder, R-Weston, expressing frustration at Democrats for nearly derailing the internal negotiations.
“I talked to my Democratic colleagues and told them that I was close, that it was going to get done, but then they throw this crap at us today and almost blew it up,” Snyder remarked.
Democrats, however, felt their efforts were pivotal. Minority Leader Rep. Greta Neubauer, D-Racine, stated, “It is our job as the minority party to raise issues that are important to people of this state and make sure that we get votes on those issues.”
The bills in question have been long-advocated for by supporters. Gail’s Law, the breast cancer screening bill, would eliminate costs for specific exams for high-risk individuals. Additionally, the Medicaid expansion proposes extending coverage for low-income mothers from 60 days to 12 months postpartum.
The political landscape for these bills is complex. While they enjoy wide bipartisan support, typical Republican practice avoids votes on bills requiring minority party backing. Notably, 66 percent of Wisconsin voters support extending postpartum Medicaid, as indicated by a Marquette poll.
Lawmaker support from swing districts played a crucial role in pushing the deal forward. The eight Republicans announcing the agreement represent some of the most politically vulnerable Assembly districts, based on Marquette University analysis.
Democrats resorted to assertive tactics to push for the legislation. For instance, Rep. Lee Snodgrass, D-Appleton, attempted to attach Gail’s Law to an amusement ride regulation bill, prompting Speaker Pro Tem Kevin Petersen, R-Waupaca, to question the relevance.
Snodgrass defended her position, stating, “Well, we’re talking about regulation here, and I’d like to talk about the regulation in regards to women’s bodies and what we’re allowed to do.”
A Deal on Property Taxes and School Funding
GOP leaders and Democratic Gov. Tony Evers are set to resume negotiations on reducing property taxes and increasing school funding. Both sides have proposed different plans, with neither indicating willingness to accept the other’s proposals.
Assembly Majority Leader Tyler August, R-Walworth, mentioned that the Assembly’s adjournment timing would depend on the outcomes of these discussions.
Online Sports Betting
Following a last-minute withdrawal last year, a bill enabling online sports gambling, provided servers are on tribal lands, is slated for a Thursday vote. The proposal has encountered resistance from certain conservative and religious groups, while gaining traction among tribal and tourism advocates. Read more here.
SNAP Enforcement Positions
Amidst federal changes under Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” Wisconsin faces decisions regarding SNAP enforcement. Gov. Evers has requested additional resources to comply with stricter oversight and work requirements, aiming to avoid federal penalties. Vos has hinted at releasing funds if legislation is passed restricting SNAP purchases of sugary items. The soft drinks bill is scheduled for a Thursday vote.
The Future of WisconsinEye
WisconsinEye’s funding remains uncertain as a Senate-passed bill allocating $585,630, alongside a competitive bidding framework, awaits Assembly consideration. Initially, Assembly efforts to fund the state’s public affairs network stalled. Presently, WisconsinEye operates with $50,000 in temporary legislative funding for February.
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