Contact: Sen. Van Wanggaard 608-266-1832
Rep. John Spiros 608-266-1182

Bill Would Provide Health Insurance for Fallen Officers’ Survivors

MADISON – Senator Wanggaard (R-Racine) and Representative John Spiros (R-Marshfield) are introducing legislation that would provide health insurance to immediate family members of law enforcement officers who are killed in the line of duty. The Legislators are introducing the bill this week in recognition of National Police Week.

“Police Officers risk their lives every time they go to work to protect us,” said Wanggaard. “The least we can do is to make sure that if they pay the ultimate price that their family has health insurance.”

“In addition to the countless dangers law enforcement face every day, they also must worry
about whether their families will have access to affordable healthcare if they die,” said Spiros.

“As a state, we can help to ease that concern.”

Under the proposed legislation, a surviving spouse and children of an officer that is killed in the line of duty would be provided with health care coverage that is offered to the members of the police department. The cost of the health care coverage would be paid for from the proceeds of the existing 75-cent “Police and Fire Fee” on phone lines. This means there would be no additional costs to taxpayers.

“This legislation is definitely overdue,” said Spiros. “Law enforcement put their lives on the line every day, and it’s time for us to show real support for those who support us every single day.”

“Unfortunately, we’ve seen the devastation inflicting on law enforcement families when the
worst happens,” Wanggaard said. “Easing their burden by providing this benefit is the least we can do. Firefighters’ families already receive this benefit, police should too.”

The bipartisan bill is also being sponsored by Senator Janet Bewley (D-Mason) and
Representative Steve Doyle (D-Onalaska). The deadline for co-sponsorship is Memorial Day.

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