Getting ready to launch our 2023 policy priorities
by On November 8, 2022, all 99 seats in the Wisconsin Assembly and 17 of the 33 Senate seats were up for reelection. This was the first election since new districts were drawn after the 2020 census. The election resulted in 64 Republican held Assembly seats and 35 Democratic seats. In the Senate, there were 22 Republican held seats and 11 Democratic seats. Following the election, Republican Senator Alberta Darling resigned, leaving her seat open until the spring election, so the current mix is 21/11. The 106th Regular Session of the Wisconsin Legislature began on January 3, 2023 and our elected officials have begun their work.
For our work on breast cancer issues the key committees we interact with are Health and Insurance. However, because we outreach to as many legislators as we can, we need constituents in as many districts as possible to contact their representatives on our issues.
That’s the power of grassroots advocacy!
New committee rosters and their leadership have been established. We are pleased that former Representative Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R-19, Appleton) ran for Senate and not only won, but now chairs the important Senate Health Committee. Senator Cabral-Guevara was key in introducing and moving the Breast Density legislation we supported last year (SB413/AB416). Unfortunately, that bill died last session after not advancing to a vote after its public hearing. This important legislation is being re-introduced this session and WBCC has, after reviewing the new version of the bill, decided to support it.
[FYI: When there is legislation that we consider supporting, we have a formal, internal process whereby approval to support it comes from our Policy Committee and Board of Directors.]
Another key member of Senate Health is Senator Mary Felzkowski (R-12, Irma) who is a breast cancer survivor. Senator Felzkowski is also the Chair of the Senate Insurance Committee.
On the Assembly side, Representative Clint Moses (R-29, Menomonie) will chair the Assembly Health Committee, and Representative Barbara Dittrich (R-38, Oconomowoc) will chair the Insurance Committee. Representative Dittrich was a co-sponsor of the Breast Density bill last session.
Let’s get ready to launch!
WBCC’s priorities this session have been approved and you can find them on our website. NOW we are going to need an engaged grassroots network to help us complete the mission. Here are a few ways you can be ready to jump in:
ONE: Be sure you’re signed up on our email list, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. When we need you to call your Representatives, that’s where you find all the information you need.
TWO: Be sure you know WHO your representatives are and how to reach them! Start HERE and go to “Who are my legislators?” Jot down not only the office phone and email, but the aides’ names. They are very important allies in getting a message to your representatives and one of them is likely responsible for researching health issues. Be nice to them! For tips for working with legislative offices, visit this page on our website.
THREE: Look at their committee assignments to see if they serve on the Health and/or Insurance committees and keep that in mind. (If they are, please consider letting us know at admin@wibreastcancer.org. We could use your help!)
FOUR: Did you know you can sign up to receive notifications from the legislature on just about any topic you’re interested in? If a bill is introduced, sent to committee, has a hearing scheduled, is voted on . . . any action on a bill of interest to you . . . you will receive an email notification. This is a great way to be pro-active on any issue you’re following. Sign up HERE – go to “Notification Service”.
It’s really that easy. We are going to need you! Remember, WBCC is not a lobbying organization. We are a grassroots organization of constituents who care about breast cancer issues. YOUR voice is the one your representatives want to hear. We’ll keep you posted. We’ll give you all the information you need. But we can’t be your voice. So, please take step number ONE and be sure we can reach you.
WBCC recently participated in a press conference announcing new legislation surrounding coverage of screenings for high risk women with dense breasts. This bill will be our top priority on our State Advocacy Day at the Capitol on Wednesday, April 19 AND you should be seeing Action Alerts on it in the near future.
We’d love to see you in person on Advocacy Day! Watch for more details and registration information soon.