In a significant legislative move, the Wisconsin Senate has approved a bill that would prevent the use of public funds to provide health care coverage to individuals residing illegally in the state. The bill’s passage underscores a preventive measure against potential administrative changes by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers or the state Department of Health Services that might alter current rules.
Despite existing laws that already bar undocumented residents from accessing BadgerCare, Wisconsin’s Medicaid program, Republicans expressed concern over possible future changes. During the debate, Sen. Van Wanggaard, R-Racine, raised a scenario where administrative rules could be drafted to extend health care coverage to undocumented immigrants, a situation he described as undesirable.
Wanggaard referred to instances in states like Illinois and Minnesota, where similar public funding initiatives for undocumented immigrants were later repealed. “This experiment has already been tried in Illinois and Minnesota, and it failed,” Wanggaard emphasized. “Why do we want to be a test dummy again? It makes no sense.”
In response, Democrats highlighted the rarity of noncitizens receiving health care subsidies and criticized the bill as a political maneuver. State Sen. Jeff Smith, D-New Brunswick, questioned the moral compass of the legislation, stating, “are we that heartless?” He further challenged his colleagues, saying, “Go ahead and make your god dang political points and sleep with that.”
Despite opposition, the bill garnered support from three Democrats—Sen. Sarah Keyeski, D-Lodi, Sen. Jamie Wall, D-Green Bay, and Sen. Brad Pfaff, D-Onalaska—aligning with all Republicans. Having already been approved by the Wisconsin Assembly in September, the bill now awaits the governor’s decision.
Republican Senators Define Abortion in New Legislation
In related legislative actions, Republican senators passed a bill to establish a new definition of abortion. This measure aims to clarify medical procedures that could unintentionally result in the death of a child during pregnancy. The legislation comes in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade, prompting states to reassess abortion regulations.
State Sen. Kelda Roys, D-Madison, criticized the bill, arguing it reflects an attempt to mitigate the negative impacts of stringent abortion laws enacted across the nation. Roys contended, “We’re just going to say, ‘Well, we’re just not going to call it abortion when a woman needs an abortion.’ That is so Orwellian. Words actually mean things.”
Conversely, State Sen. Romaine Quinn, R-Birchwood, defended the bill, asserting it clarifies existing statutes to alleviate fears among women and physicians regarding the 20-week abortion ban. “The bill before us today simply removes ambiguity from our state statutes regarding what an abortion is not,” Quinn stated. He emphasized the bill’s role in addressing concerns over maternal health and life.
The bill passed the Senate along party lines, with an 18-15 vote, and now proceeds to the Wisconsin Assembly for further consideration.
