State of Wisconsin Archives: on Health Care
Alex Lasry:
Healthcare a human right, add public option to ACA
I believe that healthcare is a human right, and we need to ensure that everyone has access to quality affordable healthcare. I support adding a robust public option to the Affordable Care Act because
I believe that this is the fastest way to get everyone covered. We also must ensure that the public option is set up so people can seamlessly transition in and out of the public plan.
Source: 2022 Wisconsin Senate campaign website AlexLasry.com
Nov 16, 2019
Bernie Sanders:
For $500 more taxes, everyone gets $5,000 more healthcare
Hillary CLINTON: Last week in a CNN town hall, the Senator told a questioner that the questioner would spend about $500 dollars in taxes to get about $5,000 dollars in healthcare. Every progressive economist who has analyzed that says that the numbers
don't add up, and that's a promise that cannot be keptSANDERS: 29 million people have no health insurance today in America. We pay, by far, the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs.
One out of five Americans can't even afford the prescriptions their doctors are writing. Millions of people have high deductibles and co-payments. I don't know what economists Secretary Clinton is talking to, but what I have said, is that the family
right in the middle of the economy would pay $500 dollars more in taxes, and get a reduction in their healthcare costs of $5,000 dollars. In my view healthcare is a right of all people, not a privilege, and I will fight for that.
Source: 2016 PBS Democratic debate in Wisconsin
Feb 11, 2016
Bernie Sanders:
US is the only major country without universal health care
CLINTON: We share the goal of universal health care coverage. But I think the people deserve to know how this would work. If it's Medicare for all, then you no longer have the Affordable Care Act, because the Affordable Care Act is based on the insurance
system. So if you're having single-payer, you need to level with people about what they will have at the end of the process. Based on every analysis I can find, the numbers don't add up, and many people will be worse off than they are now.
SANDERS: There is one major country that does not guarantee health care to all people. There is one major country--the United States--which ends up spending almost three times per capita what they do in the
U.K. guaranteeing health care to all people, 50 percent more than they do in France guaranteeing health care to all people, far more than our Canadian neighbors, who guarantee health care to all people.
Source: 2016 PBS Democratic debate in Wisconsin
Feb 11, 2016
Bob Harlow:
Full health coverage of your choice, capped at 9% of income
My healthcare plan for Wisconsin provides full coverage for every Wiconsinite at a cost that is never more than 9% of your income. At the same time, it allows you to choose any doctor or specialist in the whole state of Wisconsin for each exam or
procedure. It works like this.- You will never pay more than 9% of your income for healthcare.
- You can choose any doctor or specialist in the whole state for each exam or procedure. No more expensive insurance companies telling you what you
can and can't do.
- You pay the difference between the 33rd percentile of bids in your region and the bid you choose capped at 9% of your income. If you choose a bid that is less expensive than the 33rd percentile of bids, you pay nothing.
-
You do not have to pay anything out of pocket. Simply calculate how much you owe up to 9% of your income, and send a check to the State of Wisconsin.
Source: 2018 Wisconsin Gubernatorial campaign website BobHarlow.net
Mar 15, 2017
Bryan Steil:
Protect individuals with pre-existing conditions
Q: We saw a failed attempt at repealing ObamaCare followed by changes to the law. In your view, what needs to happen with health care? A: We need to lower the costs of health care. The Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, drove up the cost and made
health care less affordable and thus less accessible to hardworking families here in Wisconsin. What we need to do is work toward a program of health care that puts individuals and doctors in charge of the decision-making process so that they can
increase quality and lower the cost to health care.
I think that stands in stark contrast to my opponent who supports a government takeover of health care, and that's going to drive up the cost of health care. Individuals with pre-existing
conditions need to be protected and need to be covered. I've been clear on that since day one. You can go in and address the disaster that is Obamacare, but still at the same time protect people with pre-existing conditions.
Source: Wisconsin Public Radio on 2018 WI-6 House debates
Mar 20, 2019
Glenn Grothman:
ObamaCare is a harmful, bungled system
Glenn Grothman will stand in staunch opposition to any further expansion of the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) and will actively fight for its full repeal. This harmful, bungled system has already created an enormous burden not only to the business
community but to millions of American workers and families. The economic security and financial freedom of individuals and businesses has suffered under this law, and the problem will only get worse as more provisions become fully implemented.
The failings of ObamaCare will continue to have a real human impact which cannot be ignored. The time to stop the insidious progress of this law is now. We need an active, effective voice in Washington to continue to push for the full repeal of ObamaCare
When we look at reforming health care in the future, I'll use the free market as my guide. Shopping around creates competition and competition breeds efficiency which results in lower costs for everyone.
Source: 2014 Wisconsin House campaign website, GlennGrothman.com
May 31, 2014
Glenn Grothman:
Repeal ObamaCare
Q: The Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) should be repealed by Congress?
GROTHMAN: Strongly Agree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Wisconsin House race
Sep 30, 2014
Hillary Clinton:
Medicare-for-all is not economically feasible
SANDERS: There is one major country that does not guarantee health care to all people. There is one major country--the United States--which ends up spending almost three times per capita what they do in the U.K. guaranteeing health care to all people,
50 percent more than they do in France guaranteeing health care to all people, far more than our Canadian neighbors, who guarantee health care to all people. CLINTON: We share the goal of universal health care coverage.
But I think the people deserve to know how this would work. If it's Medicare for all, then you no longer have the Affordable Care Act, because the Affordable Care Act is based on the insurance system.
So if you're having single-payer, you need to level with people about what they will have at the end of the process. Based on every analysis I can find, the numbers don't add up, and many people will be worse off than they are now.
Source: 2016 PBS Democratic debate in Wisconsin
Feb 11, 2016
Kathleen Vinehout:
Healthcare is more than a right; it's a moral obligation
It's our responsibility as a society to make sure that nobody goes without health care. People who are sick shouldn't have to worry about how to pay the bills. They should focus on becoming healthy. Healthcare is more than a right. It's a moral
obligation of civilized society to all of its members. The Badger Health Benefits plan that I have authored would give Wisconsin the ability to assure patients and providers that our healthcare system will be stable despite changes at the federal level.
Source: 2018 Wisconsin Gubernatorial website KathleenVinehout.org
Feb 22, 2018
Kelda Helen Roys:
Strongly support ObamaCare
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Expand ObamaCare"?
A: Strongly Support
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Wisconsin Governor candidate
May 5, 2018
Leah Vukmir:
Repeal ObamaCare; Medicaid as block grants
She supports full repeal of ObamaCare. Period. And she won't stop pushing for full repeal in Congress. Leah supports replacing ObamaCare with free-market solutions that will lower costs and premiums.
Leah supports more flexibility for states when it comes to Medicaid spending, and would support efforts to send Medicaid dollars to states in the form of a block grant.
Source: 2018 Wisconsin Senatorial website LeahVukmir.com
Oct 15, 2017
Leah Vukmir:
Opposed requiring health insurers to cover oral chemotherapy
Senator Tammy Baldwin's campaign took to the air with a TV ad that focused on Vukmir's 2014 vote against a measure to help curb costs for cancer patients taking oral chemotherapy.In Baldwin's newest ad, cancer survivor Kristin Jome-Robley of
Manitowoc took Vukmir to task for voting against a bill that required health insurance companies to pay for oral chemotherapy. Jome-Robley said, "Leah Vukmir, you ought to be ashamed."
Vukmir defended her vote and said it was "absolutely ludicrous
that Tammy Baldwin is going to lecture me, as a nurse, as somebody who understands health care in the way that Tammy Baldwin doesn't."
She said the ad was a way for Baldwin to attack her "as a way to distract from her own problems at the Tomah VA."
Vukmir continued, "Make no mistake about it: Tammy Baldwin let our veterans down at the Tomah VA. To have sat on a report that a doctor was over-prescribing opioids, a veteran died and many others became addicted, to me, it's unconscionable."
Source: Journal Sentinel AdWatch on 2018 Wisconsin Senate race
Sep 19, 2018
Leah Vukmir:
Full repeal of ObamaCare, period
Q: Support or Repeal Affordable Care Act (ACA), known as ObamaCare?Tammy Baldwin (D): Support. "Take repeal off the table & work to improve." Ultimately prefers Medicare for All.
Leah Vukmir (R): Repeal. "Leah supports full repeal of ObamaCare. Period."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Wisconsin Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Mandela Barnes:
Strengthen state health care; I know because I was on it
[On Medicaid]: "I've been on BadgerCare, and I've seen how critical it is for working people. I believe everyone should have access to quality health care," says Barnes. "Wisconsin is one of only 12 states that have failed to expand Medicaid, all
because of GOP obstruction. If we were to take this simple step, we could lower our state's uninsured rate dramatically and expand affordable health coverage to tens of thousands of our neighbors. That's why I fought to strengthen and expand BadgerCare."
Source: The Capital Times on 2022 Wisconsin Senate race
Sep 22, 2021
Mark Neumann:
Repeal ObamaCare
Question 10. Will you vote for a full repeal of ObamaCare?
Mark Neumann: Yes
Tommy Thompson: Yes
Source: 2012 Wisconsin Tea Party Senate Debate Questionnaire
Aug 13, 2012
Mike Gallagher:
Replace ObamaCare with patient-centered free-market reforms
Health care coverage under ObamaCare continues to grow more costly for Wisconsin families. Millions of people have lost their insurance plan, or access to their preferred doctor. I grew up in a family of physicians, and I know how important it is to
have quality, timely, and affordable health care. I will push legislation that will repeal ObamaCare, and replace it with patient-centered, free-market reforms that will actually move our health care system in the right direction.
We need reforms that will lower premium costs and allow Wisconsinites to be in charge of their own health care rather than unelected bureaucrats in
Washington, DC, while still protecting those with preexisting conditions.
Source: 2016 Wisconsin House campaign website MikeForWisconsin.com
Nov 8, 2016
Phil Anderson:
Oppose ObamaCare
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Expand ObamaCare"?
A: Strongly Oppose- We must uncouple insurance from health care so that people have more affordable options.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Wisconsin Governor candidate
May 18, 2018
Rebecca Kleefisch:
Government shouldn't interfere with people's health care
I think the government does not have the business telling people what should be done with their health care. I think that is the government stepping in between a doctor patient relationship, whether it is Obamacare or whether it is the vaccine mandate.
This is something that is preventing more people from jumping back into our workforce, which Wisconsin has a desperate problem with today and making sure that the government is a nanny state. We just don't need it.
Source: WISN on 2022 Wisconsin Gubernatorial race
Sep 12, 2021
Ron Johnson:
ObamaCare will cost the average family $2,100
The two candidates sparred over health care reform. Feingold defended his vote on the law, touting benefits that include letting adult children stay on their parents' plan until they're
26 and banning companies from denying coverage on those with pre-existing conditions. "The bill is a good compromise that I think brings the country forward,"
Feingold said."We didn't need a 2,600-page bill passed in the middle of the night to address the problems that do exist in our health care industry,"
Johnson fired back, arguing in favor of repealing a bill that he said amounts to a government takeover and will cost the average family $2,100.
Source: Wisconsin Radio Network coverage of 2010 Wisc. Senate debate
Oct 12, 2010
Ron Johnson:
All world pandemic agreements should be voted on by Senate
In the current Congress, Johnson is the lead sponsor of a recently introduced bill to subject all pandemic-related agreements reached by the
World Health Assembly to Senate approval and the cosponsor of a bill to prohibit the "unfair treatment" of cadets and midshipmen who refuse to get vaccinated for COVID-19.
Source: The Bulwark on 2022 Wisconsin Senate race
Jun 10, 2022
Russell Feingold:
Healthcare reform is a good compromise
The two candidates sparred over health care reform. Feingold defended his vote on the law, touting benefits that include letting adult children stay on their parents' plan until they're
26 and banning companies from denying coverage on those with pre-existing conditions. "The bill is a good compromise that I think brings the country forward,"
Feingold said."We didn't need a 2,600-page bill passed in the middle of the night to address the problems that do exist in our health care industry,"
Johnson fired back, arguing in favor of repealing a bill that he said amounts to a government takeover and will cost the average family $2,100.
Source: Wisconsin Radio Network coverage of 2010 Wisc. Senate debate
Oct 12, 2010
Russell Feingold:
2010: I knew that over time, ObamaCare would work out
Feingold said he didn't believe he was "being fired" by voters when he lost in 2010. It had everything to do with a political environment that greatly favored the GOP, he said. "It was obvious that because of the economy and very difficult times people
were going through, it was very likely people would vote against incumbents," said Feingold. "It was a wave election. Everyone knows that."That race, like many others, turned on voter anger toward Washington, including the raw emotions over
Obamacare, which Feingold voted to enact. "Oh no," Feingold said when asked whether he would have voted differently on the law looking back at it now. "I stood with my vote on the Affordable Care Act in 2010. I was one of the only candidates to do that,"
Feingold said. "I understand people have been lied to repeatedly [from Republicans] about what was in the bill. I regretted that, but it was fairly stated that over time that it would work out. That's exactly what's happened."
Source: Politico.com on 2016 Wisconsin Senate race
Aug 5, 2015
Sarah Godlewski:
Expand Medicaid and Medicare; supports a public option
State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski said she supported a public option. "We fought very hard to make sure Obamacare is the rule of this land ... So no, I don't want to scrap it and start all over,"
Godlewski said. She later added, "We have to expand Medicaid, we have to expand Medicare, and, yes, we need universal coverage through a public option."
Source: Rollcall.com on 2022 Wisconsin Senate race
Jul 19, 2021
Scott Fitzgerald:
Allow discrimination by providers in direct care agreements
AB26 Relating to: direct primary care agreements.Summary by Wisconsin Examiner: AB 26 facilitates allowing a patient (or their representative) to have a contract for primary-care services by that provider and have it be exempt from
insurance law. The amendment, which was adopted along strict party lines, eliminated the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of citizenship status, gender or gender identity, genetic information, national origin and sexual orientation.
Veto Message: I object to allowing a health care provider to choose not to enter into a direct primary care agreement with a patient based on the patient's genetics, national origin, gender identity, citizenship status, or whether the patient is
LGBTQ. I believe that all individuals should be treated equally.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Assembly 61-36-2 on Jan/21/20; Passed Senate 20-13-0 on Feb/20/20; Sen. Scott Fitzgerald voted YES; Vetoed by Gov. Evers on Feb/8/20.
Source: Wisconsin Examiner on State Legislature voting records AB26
Feb 20, 2020
Scott Walker:
State control of health insurance program, not federal
For our senior citizens, most receive their health care through Medicare. While that is a federal and not a state program, we can provide certainty and stability for those who depend on SeniorCare. I am officially seeking a permanent waiver for the
State of Wisconsin to provide SeniorCare. Since it was first approved in 2002, the state has asked for an extension of SeniorCare four times. It is time to make this a permanent and stable program.
Source: 2018 Wisconsin State of the State address
Jan 24, 2018
Scott Walker:
Sue to repeal ObamaCare; reject Medicaid expansion
Q: Support or Repeal Affordable Care Act (ACA), known as ObamaCare? Accept ACA's Medicaid expansion to subsidize low-income participants?Tony Evers (D): Support ACA. Accept Medicaid expansion.
Scott Walker (R): Repeal ACA. Suing to oppose ObamaCare
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Wisconsin Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Tammy Baldwin:
Take repeal off the table & work to improve ObamaCare
Q: Support or Repeal Affordable Care Act (ACA), known as ObamaCare?Tammy Baldwin (D): Support. "Take repeal off the table & work to improve." Ultimately prefers Medicare for All.
Leah Vukmir (R): Repeal. "Leah supports full repeal of ObamaCare. Period."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Wisconsin Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Tammy Baldwin:
Good health care for all, especially the most vulnerable
Senator Duckworth will fight to achieve high-quality, affordable health care for all Americans, and she is willing to work with anyone to expand access to health insurance, bring down costs and improve the quality of care for Illinois families.
That means helping develop proposals that protect patients from abusive practices, lower prescription drug costs and guarantee that Veterans, children, families and most vulnerable citizens receive the high-quality care every American deserves.
Source: 2022 Wisconsin Senate campaign website baldwin.senate.gov
Oct 16, 2019
Tammy Baldwin:
Address racial disparities in health care system
Health Care: Increase or decrease government support for health care?Tammy Baldwin (D): Increase. "No American should have to choose between basic necessities... and paying for the drugs they need."
Introduced the Capping Prescription Costs Act. Supports expanding Obamacare, Medicare, and Medicaid. Calls for addressing "racial disparities that exist in our nation's health care system."
Eric Hovde (R): Decrease. "Obamacare created monopolies and oligarchies and wiped out the family doctor." Repeal it.
It's "stupid" to keep young adults on their parents' insurance until age 26. Would continue protecting benefits for pre-existing conditions.
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Wisconsin Senate race
Sep 9, 2024
Timothy Ramthun:
Will fight to keep government out of your health decisions
Tim Ramthun drafted and introduced LRB-5283/1 a bill which allowed for people to try other medications when people were facing complications from COVID. He drafted
LRB 5635/1 a resolution that would stop the legislature from introducing any mandatory medical procedures. If you are looking for a candidate who will fight for you, and keep government out of your health decisions, go with one who has proven it.
Source: 2022 Wisconsin Governor website RamthunForGovernor.com
Mar 10, 2022
Timothy Ramthun:
Allow discrimination by providers in direct care agreements
AB26 Relating to: direct primary care agreements.Summary by Wisconsin Examiner: AB 26 facilitates allowing a patient (or their representative) to have a contract for primary-care services by that provider and have it be exempt from
insurance law. The amendment, which was adopted along strict party lines, eliminated the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of citizenship status, gender or gender identity, genetic information, national origin and sexual orientation.
Veto Message: I object to allowing a health care provider to choose not to enter into a direct primary care agreement with a patient based on the patient's genetics, national origin, gender identity, citizenship status, or whether the patient is
LGBTQ. I believe that all individuals should be treated equally.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Assembly 61-36-2 on Jan/21/20; Rep. Ramthun co-sponsored and voted YES; Passed Senate 20-13-0 on Feb/20/20; Vetoed by Gov. Evers on Feb/8/20.
Source: Wisconsin Examiner on State Legislature voting records AB26
Jan 21, 2020
Tom Nelson:
We need real leaders who will take COVID seriously
I'm the County Executive for Outagamie, one of the worst-hit COVID counties in the nation. Local officials have been leading our country through the pandemic because Donald Trump and Ron Johnson have failed.
I'm running for U.S. Senate because we need real leaders in Washington who will take COVID seriously. And if we can take on a pandemic, we can take on anything.
Source: 2021 Wisconsin Senate campaign website NelsonForWI.com
Jul 8, 2021
Tom Nelson:
Backs Medicare for All
On the issues, Nelson is running to the left, backing Medicare for all. He's also leaning into his political experience as a former legislator who since
2011 has been the top executive in a county that is politically purple.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on 2022 Wisconsin Senate race
Apr 30, 2021
Tom Tiffany:
Supports competition to lower health care costs
While socialists in the House want to enact Medicare for all that would bankrupt taxpayers and result in Medicare for none, Tom knows there's a better way. With more choice, competition, and transparency, Americans will get better access to health care
at lower costs. Tom supports President Trump's efforts to hold drug companies accountable with greater transparency.
This will lead to lower prices on prescription drugs and health care in general.
By inserting competition into health care, we can lower costs. Providers will have to compete for patients' business, resulting in higher quality and lower costs.
Source: 2019-2020 WI-7 House campaign website Tiffany4Wisconsin.com
May 8, 2020
Tom Tiffany:
Allow discrimination by providers in direct care agreements
AB26 Relating to: direct primary care agreements.Summary by Wisconsin Examiner: AB 26 facilitates allowing a patient (or their representative) to have a contract for primary-care services by that provider and have it be exempt from
insurance law. The amendment, which was adopted along strict party lines, eliminated the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of citizenship status, gender or gender identity, genetic information, national origin and sexual orientation.
Veto Message: I object to allowing a health care provider to choose not to enter into a direct primary care agreement with a patient based on the patient's genetics, national origin, gender identity, citizenship status, or whether the patient is
LGBTQ. I believe that all individuals should be treated equally.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Assembly 61-36-2 on Jan/21/20; Passed Senate 20-13-0 on Feb/20/20; Sen. Tiffany co-sponsored and voted YES; ; Vetoed by Gov. Evers on Feb/8/20.
Source: Wisconsin Examiner on State Legislature voting records AB26
Feb 20, 2020
Tommy Thompson:
Repeal ObamaCare
Question 10. Will you vote for a full repeal of ObamaCare?
Mark Neumann: Yes
Tommy Thompson: Yes
Source: 2012 Wisconsin Tea Party Senate Debate Questionnaire
Aug 13, 2012
Tony Evers:
Support ObamaCare; support Medicaid expansion
Q: Support or Repeal Affordable Care Act (ACA), known as ObamaCare? Accept ACA's Medicaid expansion to subsidize low-income participants?Tony Evers (D): Support ACA. Accept Medicaid expansion to "insure thousands more
Wisconsinites who are struggling to find affordable health insurance."
Scott Walker (R): Repeal ACA. Suing to oppose ObamaCare & rejected Medicaid expansion, but used ObamaCare funding to help cover state costs.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Wisconsin Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Tony Evers:
Healthy Communities Initiative: increase access via Medicaid
We've already started working to make sure healthcare in Wisconsin is affordable and accessible. We signed executive orders creating a Healthy Communities Initiative and calling upon the Department of Health Services to prioritize these goals.
Our budget will also seek to expand Medicaid in Wisconsin. According to the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau, this will enable an additional 76,000 Wisconsinites to have access to affordable healthcare.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Wisconsin legislature
Jan 22, 2019
Tony Evers:
Exit Obamacare lawsuit; keep pre-existing coverage
The people of Wisconsin voted for a change this November and asked us to stop playing politics with their health care. That's why I'm directing Attorney General Kaul to withdraw from a lawsuit that would gut coverage for the 2.4 million
Wisconsinites who have pre-existing conditions. I've said all along that I believe the best way to maintain protections for healthcare here in Wisconsin is to stop trying to dismantle those protections at the federal level.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Wisconsin legislature
Jan 22, 2019
Tony Evers:
$5 million for mental health and wellness for National Guard
Our effort to invest more than $3 million into expanding the Guard's wellness program was gutted from my biennial budget. It would have increased access to important mental health and wellness support to more than 9,000 Guard members.
Well, I'm going to do it anyway. We're going to invest $5 million to expand access to the Guard's comprehensive wellness office and their services to every single member of the Wisconsin National Guard.
This program will provide counseling, resiliency training, and crisis intervention and stress reduction programming, to help reduce burnout,
take care of mental health needs, prevent suicide, and treat substance use disorders for our service members.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Wisconsin legislature
Feb 15, 2022
Tony Evers:
No one should call an ambulance and wonder if it will come
No one should be calling for an ambulance and have to wonder whether help will come. We're investing nearly $30 million into supporting emergency medical service providers and services across our state. $20 million of this investment will be
going to folks in our rural areas for whatever help they need the most, whether it's increasing staffing support, getting first responders more training, purchasing an ambulance, medical equipment or supplies.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Wisconsin legislature
Feb 15, 2022
Tony Evers:
New public school funding for mental health services
I'm announcing our new "Get Kids Ahead" initiative to invest $15 million into additional mental health services in our schools. Every public school district can opt in to receive these funds-no matter how big or small. Schools will be able to use these
funds to provide direct mental health care, hire and support mental health navigators, provide mental health first aid and trauma-based care training, or provide family assistance programs-whatever our kids need.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Wisconsin legislature
Feb 15, 2022
Tony Evers:
Veto discrimination by providers in direct care agreements
AB26 Relating to: direct primary care agreements.Summary by Wisconsin Examiner: AB 26 facilitates direct primary care agreements, allowing a patient (or their representative or employer) to have a contract for primary-care services by
that provider and have it be exempt from insurance law. The amendment, which was adopted along strict party lines, eliminated the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of citizenship status, gender or gender identity, genetic information, national
origin and sexual orientation.
Veto Message: I object to allowing a health care provider to choose not to enter into a direct primary care agreement with a patient based on the patient's genetics, national origin, gender identity,
citizenship status, or whether the patient is LGBTQ. I believe that all individuals should be treated equally.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Assembly 61-36-2 on 1/21/20; Passed Senate 20-13-0 on 2/20/20; Vetoed by Gov. Evers on 2/8/20.
Source: Wisconsin Examiner on State Legislature voting records AB26
Feb 8, 2020
Tony Evers:
New resources to expand school-based mental health services
Over the last year, we doubled our investment in our "Get Kids Ahead" initiative--investing $30 million of our federal pandemic relief funds to provide every Wisconsin public school district with new resources to expand school-based
mental health services. Tonight, I'm announcing we're going to make "Get Kids Ahead" a permanent state program, and we're investing more than $270 million to ensure every student has access to mental health services.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Wisconsin legislature
Jan 24, 2023
Tony Evers:
We're going to develop a statewide Mental Health Action Plan
I'm creating an Interagency Council on Mental Health and directing Wisconsin state agencies to work together to reduce barriers and address gaps in mental health services. We're going to develop a statewide
Mental Health Action Plan to address the root causes of our mental health crisis, increase awareness and reduce stigma, and build capacity for us to expand access to mental health services statewide. Our state's mental health challenges are significant.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Wisconsin legislature
Jan 23, 2024
Eric Hovde:
The ACA has failed to live up to its expectation
Our healthcare system is deeply flawed and in need of reform. Over the last decade, quality of care has decreased, and insurance premiums have doubled, in some cases tripled. This is largely a result of the failures of Obamacare. Initially promised to
be a groundbreaking reform aimed at providing affordable care for all, the ACA has failed to live up to its expectation. Instead of a decrease in healthcare costs, Americans have experienced a sharp increase in insurance premiums.
Source: 2024 Wisconsin Senate campaign website EricHovde.com
Feb 29, 2024
Eric Hovde:
ObamaCare is stupid to keep 26-yr-olds on parents' insurance
Health Care: Increase or decrease government support for health care?Eric Hovde (R): Decrease. "Obamacare created monopolies and oligarchies and wiped out the family doctor." Repeal it. It's "stupid" to keep young adults
on their parents' insurance until age 26. Would continue protecting benefits for pre-existing conditions.
Tammy Baldwin (D): Increase. "No American should have to choose between basic necessities... and paying for the drugs they need." Introduced the Capping Prescription Costs Act.
Supports expanding Obamacare, Medicare, and Medicaid. Calls for addressing "racial disparities that exist in our nation's health care system."
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Wisconsin Senate race
Sep 9, 2024
Eric Hovde:
Opposes repealing Obamacare, for Medicaid expansion
The republican caucus came within one vote of repealing healthcare for the least among us (about 50 million Americans), and our incumbent
Senator voted multiple times to strip healthcare access for Wyomingites and all Americans. Our state refuses Medicaid expansion, free lunches for students living in poverty, etc.
Source: Oil City News on 2024 Wisconsin Senate race
Aug 2, 2024
Eric Hovde:
I think drug prices are wildly too high
Hovde: I'm the one who was against Big Pharma. It's your Wall Street partner who invests in Big Pharma. You oversee it and take massive amounts of money. I can't even believe she would say that I don't want to negotiate against drug prices.
I think drug prices are wildly too high. I will actually do something about it because I'm not taking Big Pharma money. I'm not taking special-interest money. Her partner is making money off of it and doesn't even disclose the profit she's making.
Baldwin: It was my provision that allowed young people to stay on their parents health insurance until they turned 26. Sadly my opponent called that provision stupid and has said that he would overturn the Affordable Care Act in its entirety.
He opposes efforts to negotiate with the big pharmaceutical companies to lower the price of prescription drugs. We need to build upon the Affordable Care Act and we need to build upon our efforts to negotiate lower prescription drug prices.
Source: C-Span transcript of 2024 Wisconsin Senate debate
Oct 18, 2024
Tammy Baldwin:
We need to build upon the Affordable Care Act
Baldwin: It was my provision that allowed young people to stay on their parents health insurance until they turned 26. Sadly my opponent called that provision stupid and has said that he would overturn the Affordable Care Act in its entirety.
He opposes efforts to negotiate with the big pharmaceutical companies to lower the price of prescription drugs. We need to build upon the Affordable Care Act and we need to build upon our efforts to negotiate lower prescription drug prices.
Hovde: I'm the one who was against Big Pharma. It's your Wall Street partner who invests in Big Pharma. You oversee it and take massive amounts of money. I can't even believe she would say that I don't want to negotiate against drug prices.
I think drug prices are wildly too high. I will actually do something about it because I'm not taking Big Pharma money. I'm not taking special-interest money. Her partner is making money off of it and doesn't even disclose the profit she's making.
Source: C-Span transcript of 2024 Wisconsin Senate debate
Oct 18, 2024
Tony Evers:
Remove the sales tax on over-the-counter medications
Let's work to lower the costs of prescriptions and protect consumers from price gouging on life-saving medication. Through my "Less for Rx" plan, I will again ask Republicans and Democrats to work together to approve new state programs aimed at
setting price ceilings for prescriptions and improving oversight of drug companies to make sure Wisconsinites are getting a fair shake. And let's remove the sales tax on over-the-counter medications and cap the copay on insulin at $35 while we're at it.
The Affordable Care Act ensures coverage for millions of Wisconsinites, including folks who have pre-existing conditions. Women are no longer charged more than men.
We no longer have annual or lifetime limits on the care patients receive. So, I promise you this: I will fight every effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act, just as I have since Day One as governor.
Source: 2025 State of the State Address to the Wisconsin legislature
Jan 21, 2025
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026