Madison, WI—Representative Jerry O’Connor (R-Fond du Lac) released the following statement after joining Legislative Republicans to advance a package of bills focused on healthcare reform and economic development:
“Today I proudly voted in favor of legislation that empowers patients through greater access to affordable, personalized healthcare, reduces burdensome government regulations, helps retain jobs across the state, and positions Wisconsin to compete for large-scale, high-tech investments that create family-supporting jobs.
The healthcare bills we passed today advance patient choice, expand access to care, and reduce unnecessary government intervention in the delivery of services. By empowering providers like physician assistants, pharmacists, and advanced practice nurses, we can serve rural and underserved communities more efficiently.
AB 8: Direct primary care (DPC) agreements allow patients to pay providers directly through a flat-rate or subscription model, offering a lower-cost, patient-centered alternative to traditional insurance by cutting out bureaucratic middlemen. This bill ensures DPC agreements are not regulated as insurance by the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance, protecting small businesses from government overreach and advancing free-market healthcare solutions.
AB 11: ensures that patients’ dignity and consent are respected during sensitive medical procedures. By requiring hospitals to obtain written informed consent from patients before performing pelvic exams for educational purposes while the patient is under general anesthesia or unconscious.
AB 12: allows physician assistants and advanced practice nurses to serve as medical advisors to local health officers, filling a critical role when a county cannot find a willing physician to serve on the board of health.
AB 23: creates a Palliative Care Council within the Department of Health Services to enhance the quality, awareness, and access to palliative care for patients with life-limiting illnesses. The council, composed of healthcare professionals, patients, family members, and legislators, will advise on palliative care programs, evaluate outcomes, and promote education, while excluding consultation on euthanasia-related topics.
AB 44: allows advanced practice nurse prescribers (APNPs) to pronounce deaths, a responsibility already granted to hospice nurses and physician assistants. The change brings Wisconsin’s death records process in line with most other states, streamlining procedures and expanding professional roles.
AB 45: allow Wisconsin to join the dietitian compact, enabling eligible dietitians to apply for compact privileges in multiple states, facilitating quicker and more cost-effective practice while maintaining oversight under Wisconsin’s laws.
The economic development bills support targeted updates to Wisconsin’s tax incremental financing (TIF) laws, allowing municipalities to responsibly attract and retain large-scale projects. These changes are critical for bringing in high-tech industries like data centers, which create quality jobs and drive long-term economic growth across the state.
AB 22: creates a one-time exemption for the City of Middleton from the 12% cap on the total equalized value of taxable property within a new or amended TID. This exemption would enable the city to establish a new TID to retain a major employer and protect family-supporting jobs from being recruited out of Wisconsin
AB 137: extends the life of TID Number 9 in the Village of DeForest from 20 to 30 years and grants a one-time exemption from the 12% property value limit, providing the flexibility needed to attract major retail employers. This would bring 200 jobs, increase sales tax revenue, and boost economic growth in DeForest and the surrounding areas.
AB 140: grants Port Washington a one-time exemption from the 12% limit on taxable property in TIF districts, allowing the city to move forward with the development of a high-value data and server center. Without this exemption, the project could unintentionally block future economic development, despite aligning with the intent of the statute and offering significant benefits to the city and state.
Legislative Republicans are advancing a series of common-sense healthcare and economic development reforms that prioritize personal freedom, responsible growth, and a stronger future for Wisconsin.”
