To the editor,

This is the moment when we need to work together right here and with others to protect and improve healthcare for us all. Are we worthy of affordable healthcare!

How can we? 

1. Know what is happening now and how we arrived here.
2. We are lucky to have this newspaper that is protected by the 1st Amendment.
3. We have Wisconsin Public Radio since 1919 as part of The Wisconsin Idea. It has eght bureaus around the state.
4. We can vote next November after checking voting records of already and wishing to be elected and asking “what they believe is the Role of Government”?
5. Stay in touch with your insurer.

In 2025-26, putting in charge people who are against vaccines confusing medical advice, cutting veterans’ healthcare and in our legislature not funding veterans housing by delaying action. 

In HR1 (One Big Beautiful Bill) SNAP was cut by $180B with many new requirements and documentation. Our legislature and Gov. Evers are still negotiating to limit hurt to Wisconsinites.

In HR1 $911 billion in cuts to Medicaid beginning near the Midterms and shifting responsibility to the states. This harm DOES TRICKLE DOWN to rural hospitals and pay for practitioners at all levels. It is predicted that eight rural hospitals will close in Wisconsin.

HR1 Rural Health Fund of $50 billion was included. Half will be sent to states equally. States can apply for the rest and for how it can be spent. We need to pay attention so this can be used wisely to reduce destruction in a limited way.

There are so many more cuts to specific small programs. 

For 100 years there has been push and pull for single payer healthcare to zero public support and all privatized. Healthcare providers have been pushing for Healthcare For All and putting people not profits in the center.

Enter the discussion. Bring facts and ideas!

Wendy Dart

Maiden Rock