Wausau council overturns vetoed Medicaid-opposition resolution; 9-0, 1 abstention

The Wausau Common Council voted to return and approve a previously vetoed resolution expressing opposition to proposed federal or state cuts to Medicaid (BadgerCare), passing the motion 9-0 with one abstention on March 11, 2025. The council took the action after public comment from local residents and extended debate among alderpersons about the local impact of potential Medicaid changes.

The resolution, listed as file 25-0214 and described by supporters as a statement to state and federal officials, drew public testimony and council remarks emphasizing the role of BadgerCare in local health services. Tracy Schlegel, executive director of NAMI Northwoods, told the council that BadgerCare was “vital, life-saving health care” in her own recovery from severe mental illness and described how the program enabled her inpatient treatment. Schlegel said roughly one in three people living with mental illness are enrolled in Medicaid and noted that “more than $250,000,000 came into Marathon County from Medicaid in 2023,” remarks she delivered during public comment.

The measure had been approved previously by the council and was returned after the mayor vetoed it on March 3, 2025; alderpersons moved to restore the council’s original position and forward the message to higher levels of government. Alder Rasmussen moved the motion to return the veto; Alder Watson seconded. City officials present clarified that a vote in the affirmative meant voting to express opposition…