The bill securing $15 million for Chippewa Valley hospitals was partially signed by Governor Evers today—but comes with some vetoes the co-author of the bill, Sen. Jesse James, is worried about.
Formerly Senate Bill 1015, 2023 Wisconsin Act 97 secures $15 million in crisis response resources to support healthcare access in western Wisconsin in the wake of the recent decision by HSHS and Prevea Health to close several locations.
“My constituents asked, and I delivered,” Senator James said in a news release. “The timeline was tight, but with a little perseverance, we were able to get it across the finish line.”
In response to HSHS and Prevea’s announcement in January, Senator James originally co-authored two bills. Senate Bill 1015 was intended to repurpose funds meant for HSHS towards the second bill, a grant program that would support emergency room departments in Eau Claire and Chippewa Counties.
Governor Evers vetoed the grant program in its entirety.
The governor made line-item vetoes of Senate Bill 1015 that will, according to a news release from Senator James’ office, drastically expand the geographic area, use and scope of the funds.
“I am concerned the Governor’s veto excessively expands the scope and use of the funds,” Senator James concluded. “We need to ensure the money remains in the area and goes towards the needs and services most impacted by the HSHS closures.”
According to the news release, the Department of Health Services immediately requested the $15 million, but because of the vetoes made by Evers, the money can now go to other counties and be used for more than emergency department services.
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