MADISON – Early this morning while many Wisconsinites were sleeping, Republicans on the state’s budget writing committee voted to end Governor Evers’ critical Child Care Counts program, and refused to include a very popular and needed postpartum maternal healthcare provision for Wisconsin new mothers on Medicaid. In response to this vote, Representative Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa) released the following statement:
“I am furious. In a 2am vote–in the middle of the night–Wisconsin Republicans abandoned Wisconsin women and children yet again.
“The midnight moves by Republicans are reckless, and the devastating consequences will be felt by mothers, fathers, children, small businesses—and Wisconsin’s workforce and economy–for decades to come. Republicans were warned that discontinuing Governor Evers’ critical Child Care Counts program would likely lead to 25% of Wisconsin’s childcare centers closing, and significant increases in already barely affordable costs. This will mean people leaving the workforce due to lack of childcare–which history has shown will likely be disproportionately women. The loss of women in the workforce will hurt Wisconsin’s small businesses, waning workforce, economy, and more. It will also hurt women, children, and families.
“Earlier this week Speaker Vos stated he has no intention to allow a vote on a broadly bipartisan bill to expand postpartum Medicaid coverage. The final hope to provide postpartum healthcare to Wisconsin women was in the budget motion–at which point JFC Republicans once again lacked the courage to choose the health of Wisconsin women over party politics. When choosing between the health of Wisconsin women and the will of the Speaker, JFC Republicans bowed to Vos.
“What has happened this week is not only immoral, it is illogical. Women need childcare to work, and women need work for health insurance. Without the full spectrum of reproductive healthcare, without childcare, and without postpartum healthcare coverage, how will Wisconsin women survive?
“A budget is a moral document–it reflects our values. Wisconsin women deserve access to affordable, quality healthcare. Wisconsin women deserve access to affordable, quality childcare. The budget the Republicans have built thus far has shown JFC Republicans have no value or intention that we move forward, together. I am furious. And I will not stop fighting for Wisconsin women and kids.”
