Committee members report advocacy meetings with legislators on Medicaid funding and workforce programs

Carmen reported the facility participated in LeadingAge Wisconsin’s advocacy day and meetings with state legislators. The packet included a LeadingAge policy sheet and a Wisconsin County Homes Association handout explaining county-home differences.

Carmen said the main ask is funding to “cost to continue” the Medicaid payment system adopted in the last biennium; she told the committee that the current priority is to maintain the state’s payment structure rather than seek additional increases because continuing the Medicaid adjustment is costly. Carmen listed workforce priorities shared with legislators, including continued support for the WIS Care caregiver careers program, training and bonus incentives for CNAs, and measures to reduce hiring barriers.

Committee members reported that Representative Moses and Senator Smith (referenced in the meeting) were receptive during meetings; Carmen said legislators were “very receptive that it's a need” and that conversations included elder care and childcare as policy priorities for the state budget.

The committee did not adopt a formal resolution at the meeting but recorded the advocacy outreach and distributed the materials to county representatives and at the Capitol mailboxes.