The Wisconsin Catholic Conference (WCC), the public policy voice of the state’s Catholic bishops, expresses deep disappointment with the signing of Wisconsin Act 247 into law today, which expands online sports gambling throughout Wisconsin.
Other states are rejecting online sports gambling due to its detrimental impacts, including an increase in consumer debt, crime, suicide, and family disintegration. Executive Director Barbara Sella stated, “Wisconsin has made a very bad bet. Ultimately, it is individuals and families who can least afford it that will pay the price.”
The WCC also expresses regret that the following bills were recently vetoed, thanks the authors for their leadership on these important bills, and hopes that they advance next session.
● AB 602 Federal Tax Credits for Scholarship Granting Organizations (Sen. Felzkowski / Rep. Rodriguez)
● AB 518 Substitute Teaching at Private Choice Schools (Sen. Jagler / Rep. Penterman)
● AB 460 Sibling Eligibility for Parental Choice Programs (Sen. Jagler / Rep. Duchow)
● SB 417 Visitation Rights for Long-Term Care Residents and Hospital Patients (Sen. Jacque / Rep. Wichgers)
● AB 105 Age Verification for Minors Online (Sen. Wanggaard / Rep. Goeben)
● AB 104 Prohibiting Gender Transition Medical Intervention for Minors (Sen. Tomczyk / Rep. Allen)
● AB 102 Designating College Sports by Sex (Sen. Hutton / Rep. Dittrich)
● AB 100 Designating K-12 School Sports by Sex (Sen. Hutton / Rep. Dittrich)
At the same time, the WCC thanks lawmakers, Governor Evers, and all who advocated for the following new laws.
● Act 241 Stillbirth Tax Credit (Sen. Jacque / Rep. Brill)
● Act 240 Occupational Credentials for DACA Recipients (Sen. James / Rep. Kitchens)
● Act 233 Medicaid Coverage for Incarcerated Individuals (Sen. James / Rep. Moses)
● Act 226 Crypto Kiosks (Sen. James / Rep. Snyder)
● Act 202 Human Development Instruction on Adoption (Sen. James / Rep. Nedweski)
● Act 189 Drone Operation Over Schools (Sen. James / Rep. Kitchens)
● Act 143 Antisemitism Definition (Sen. Hutton / Rep. Tusler)
● Act 102 Postpartum Medicaid Expansion (Sen. James / Rep. Snyder)
● Act 88 Crime of Grooming a Child (Sen. James / Rep. Nedweski)
● Act 34 Prohibiting Deep Fakes (Sen. Jacque / Rep. Jacobson)
● Act 22 Pelvic Exams on Unconscious Patients (Sen. Jacque / Rep. Goeben)
● Act 9 Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (Study Committee)
The WCC will continue to work alongside government leaders and all people of good will to enact laws that respect the dignity of every person and uphold the common good.
