Statement in Support of Maternal and Infant Health Budget Initiatives
posted on Monday, June 19, 2023.
“We envision a city and state where every kid has the opportunity to reach their first birthday. Unfortunately that’s not the case in Racine. Infant mortality rates in the city and county are unacceptably high, especially for our babies who are African-American.
“For this reason, I am in strong support of Governor Tony Evers’ maternal and infant health initiatives in the 2023-2025 budget. The Governor is proposing $30 million over the biennium to extend BadgerCare postpartum coverage up to 12 months. It is worth noting that Wisconsin is one of 13 states that has not adopted Medicaid expansion.
“As a father myself, this issue resonates with me. The state has made progress, but there’s still so much to do in getting mothers, especially Black mothers, the resources and support they deserve. No one should have to worry about their infant reaching their first birthday in our community.”