Contact: Iris Riis
608-256-7549 x2132
iris.riis@ppwi.org
MADISON, Wis. – During today’s State of the State speech, Gov. Scott Walker announced he plans to strengthen the Affordable Care Act, a stark departure from his previous actions and statements about the law.
“We certainly appreciate this sudden interest in health care accessibility, but Gov. Walker’s record has been crystal clear – he has spent his entire career blocking access to affordable health care. It’s no secret that he is nervous about 2018, especially after the Democratic victory in Senate District 10,” said Nicole Safar, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin. “We are skeptical of his promises and what does not seem like a sincere commitment to the wellbeing of Wisconsinites.”
This announcement comes after Gov. Walker vehemently fought against the Affordable Care Act, which has expanded access to reproductive health care coverage, maternity coverage and no co-pay birth control for millions of women in our country. He went so far as to refuse federal money to expand Medicaid and campaigned for president on repealing the law.
“We call on Gov. Walker to get serious about health care access in Wisconsin: accept the federal money available to expand Medicaid in Wisconsin and restore state funding to quality providers like Planned Parenthood, which serves some of the most vulnerable populations in our state,” said Safar. “Wisconsin needs a governor who prioritizes the health of women and families and does more than provide lip service during an election year.”
