Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin Applauds Governor Evers’ Focus on Health Care

Tonight Governor Evers’ announced his vision for the new biennial state budget. Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin (PPAWI) applauds the Governor’s vision dedication to prioritizing health care accessibility and equity around the state of Wisconsin.

Among the proposals announced tonight, Gov. Evers introduced statutory revisions that would repeal statutes that bar Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin (and other organizations that provide or counsel women about abortion care) from federal Title V and Title X funding that passes through state agencies. These programs fund preventive health care like birth control, cancer screenings, wellness exams and STD testing and treatment.

Also included in the proposal is a full expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Additionally, an authorization will be provided for DHS/OCI to study and implement the creation of a state public health insurance option which, if created, would allow members of the public to buy into BadgerCare.

Additionally, the budget calls for a $30 million investment in the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies initiative. The initiative aims to invest in policies and programs that will address maternal and infant health inequities. Other health equity investments include $30 million for community-based health equity initiatives and $25 million to address social determinants of health.

“Supporting healthier communities and families, regardless of income, race or zip code, is essential to creating an equitable Wisconsin. We are proud to support these and many of the other health care measures proposed by Governor Evers to prioritize racial health equity and help build healthier communities across the state of Wisconsin,” said Mike Murray, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin.

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Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin is the advocacy arm of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin. PPAWI engages in legislative and educational activity and works to elect candidates to office that support these goals.