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Feb. 23, 2022 – Six key Badger Institute-supported bills on issues ranging from school choice to health care to work requirements advanced in the Legislature this week.
Legislative Oversight of Federal Funds in Wisconsin: The Assembly passed AJR 112, a proposed constitutional amendment that would restore legislative oversight of some federal spending in the state. The measure passed in the Senate in January. Decades ago, the Legislature rescinded its constitutional spending authority over funds provided to the state by the federal government. This measure, which would prohibit the Legislature from delegating its authority to the executive branch, will have to pass the Legislature again next session before it can be sent to voters for ratification.
Eliminating Income, Enrollment Caps for Parental Choice Programs: The Assembly passed AB 970, which would eliminate income enrollment caps on parental choice programs, allowing more Wisconsin children to participate. As a result of school shutdowns, virtual learning, mask mandates, critical race theory instruction and other issues, demand for school choice options has exploded in Wisconsin. This bill would make parental choice programs available to all children, regardless of income, statewide. It would also create a small education expense accounts for parents.
Direct Primary Care (DPC): The Senate passed SB 889, which provides a statutory definition of direct primary care in order to prevent doctors who provide it to their patients from being regulated out of business. DPC – a form of health care, not health insurance – allows patients to pay a monthly fee to a health care provider in exchange for a wide variety of primary health care services. Membership is voluntary, giving patients unlimited access to physicians who deliver comprehensive, personalized care. This free-market model allows doctors and patients to avoid bureaucracy and costly claims processing. Some 30 states specifically define DPC in statute.
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