Push For State To Accept Medicaid Funding Is Renewed

Following Wednesday’s announcement that no new tax revenue is expected to help with the state budget, there’s been a renewed push for lawmakers to accept federal Medicaid funding to help offset proposed cuts to the University of Wisconsin System.

Paul Ahrens, a UW-Green Bay senior who directs the group UW Students Against Education Cuts, said the state is passing up on $345 million in federal Medicaid money. He’s calling on northeastern Wisconsin state senators to accept the money and use it to offset a proposed $300 million cut to higher education.

“The idea that that idea isn’t even really on the table is pretty disgusting,” said Ahrens.

State Sen. Dave Hansen of Green Bay wants to take the money, even if the university’s budget isn’t fully restored.

“Other states have taken it. Other conservative Republican governors have taken it. But not ours, because he is running for president of the United States,” said Hansen.

Walker has said he won’t take the funds because he doubts the federal government’s commitment to fully cover Medicaid expansion.