Last week, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) joined Governors Tom Wolf (D-PA) and Tony Evers (D-WI) for a virtual press conference highlighting the vital benefits of Medicaid expansion in Pennsylvania and calling out Wisconsin Republicans for their dangerous obstructionism and reckless opposition to the expansion.
Senator Casey and Governor Wolf emphasized how Medicaid expansion in Pennsylvania has been a lifesaving program for many, including rural communities, communities of color, aging communities, and people with disabilities. On the other hand, Senator Baldwin and Governor Evers, explained what Wisconsin could gain from expanding the popular program. The call came just days after Wisconsin Republicans abruptly ended a special session of the legislature called by Gov. Evers to pass Badgercare expansion despite $1 billion in new economic investments for the state.
- “U.S. Sen. Bob Casey and Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, both Democrats, have joined Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, a fellow Democrat, to push for expansion in the Badger State. If approved, the 91,000 residents living under 138 percent of the federal poverty level would be eligible for benefits. Current benefits are available to those living 100 percent below the threshold.” [Pennsylvania Capital-Star, 5/28/21]
WDJT: Wisconsin Republicans Criticized For Rejecting Medicaid Expansion.
- “A group of senators and governors is calling out Wisconsin Republicans for their refusal to accept Medicaid expansion. It comes after GOP lawmakers abruptly ended Governor Evers’ special session to expand the BadgerCare program this week. During a virtual event, Pennsylvania’s governor touted how Medicaid expansion has been a lifesaving program for their rural and urban communities. By not expanding Medicaid, Wisconsin lost out on $1.6 billion in federal aid.” [WDJT, 5/28/21]
- “For many years, Wisconsin Democrats have advocated the expansion of the state’s Medicaid program, BadgerCare Plus. Evers said it made sense to get out of the global pandemic, with US Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin) in attendance. In Pennsylvania, about one-third of children, two-thirds of older people in care facilities, and 40% of people with disabilities receive Medicaid assistance, Casey said.” [Pennsylvania News Today, 5/28/21]
WDJT: Criticism Over No Medicaid Expansion
