MADISON — Today, the Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) squandered opportunities to take action on agencies that have an incredible impact on the health and wellbeing of Wisconsinites — Department of Children and Families (DCF) and Department of Health Services (DHS). These agencies are pivotal to ensuring the safety of our communities’ most vulnerable and are key drivers of our state’s economic growth.
JFC Republicans’ refusal to extend Medicaid coverage for new moms and defunding of Child Care Counts is a dereliction of duty. Additionally, their decision to prohibit gender-affirming care for transgender children is a further demonstration of their obsession with manufacturing culture wars rather than serving the people.
After today’s executive session, the Democratic members of the Joint Committee on Finance issued the following statement:
“Access to affordable, quality health care and child care is an essential component of a healthy and thriving state. Republicans’ reluctance to invest in proven solutions year after year demonstrates they are disinterested in solutions and have no regard for the wellbeing of Wisconsinites.
“Numerous Republicans on JFC already support the extension of Medicaid coverage for new moms. The infrastructure to get aid to child care providers already exists through the Child Care Counts program, and providers have made it abundantly clear that they are at risk of closure without this essential funding. The solutions were right in front of us tonight.
“Unfortunately, instead of listening to the people and allocating resources to provide postpartum care or efficiently address the child care crisis, Republicans once again proposed irresponsible and reckless cuts. Their inaction is a slap in the face to the thousands of mothers, children, and child care providers who need our help.
“It’s a dark day for Wisconsin when Republicans choose to prioritize Robin Vos’ culture wars and partisan obedience over the wellbeing of our mothers and children.”
