WHA’s Hospitals Education & Advocacy Team (HEAT) held a roundtable event on March 22 with four legislators: Senator Dale Kooyenga (R-Brookfield), Rep. Jessie Rodriguez (R-Oak Creek), Rep. Joe Sanfelippo (R-New Berlin) and staff from the office of Rep. Rob Hutton (R-Brookfield). Hospital advocates from Advocate Aurora, Ascension Wisconsin, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, and Froedtert Health participated in the meeting.
The meeting took place at Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital-St. Joseph Campus in Milwaukee and included a tour of the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). In the meeting, members discussed health care items in the Governor’s budget proposal, particularly focusing on Medicaid reimbursement, Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) funding, as well as funding for behavioral health, dental care, and telemedicine services.
Kooyenga represents the 5th Senate District, covering Brookfield, west of Milwaukee and east of Waukesha. He serves as Vice-Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services.
Hutton represents the 13th Assembly District covering Elm Grove, and the south end of Brookfield. The Milwaukee Regional Medical Center campus, including Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and Froedtert Health, is located in both Kooyenga’s and Hutton’s legislative districts.
Rodriguez represents the 21st Assembly District covering Oak Creek and southern Milwaukee County. Sanfelippo represents the 15th Assembly District covering north New Berlin, west of Milwaukee and east of Waukesha, including Aurora West Allis Medical Center. Both Rodriguez and Sanfelippo serve on the Assembly Committee on Health, with Sanfelippo serving the important role of Chair.
HEAT roundtables are held around the state connecting hospital advocates with legislators in their local district. They provide the opportunity to candidly discuss the important issues impacting Wisconsin hospitals and the communities they serve. To participate in a HEAT roundtable in your area or host a meeting with legislators at your hospital, contact
Kari Hofer, WHA Vice President of Advocacy.