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 to cuts to Medicaid.

Supporters argued the resolution addresses direct local consequences if BadgerCare funding were reduced. Alder Tierney said children, pregnant women and people with disabilities rely on Medicaid-covered preventive care and that reductions could increase emergency-room use. Alder Lukens and Alder Gisselman described constituent concerns in districts with high concentrations of seniors and assisted-living facilities and said those populations would be directly affected. Alder Larson, Alder Rasmussen and others said municipalities and local services would face budgetary and operational impacts if state or federal policy reduced Medicaid coverage.

Opposition to the mayor’s veto was raised in council debate as a matter of representing constituents’ interests. The mayor indicated a preference to limit council action to municipal business when issuing policy statements, and that veto was referenced during debate. The council’s motion to return the veto carried 9 yes, 0 no, 1 abstention (one member absent or excused from the vote tally). The resolution is a formal expression of the council’s view; it does not change local law or create a new city program.

Votes at a glance

- File 25-0214, "Return of vetoed resolution expressing opposition to any proposed federal or state cuts to Medicaid (BadgerCare)": mover Alder Rasmussen; second Alder Watson; outcome: approved 9 yes, 0 no, 1 abstain. Note: previously vetoed by the mayor on 03/03/2025.

- File 250309, resolution endorsing Fair Housing Month events (April 2025): mover Alder Lukens; second Alder Watson; outcome: approved 10-0. The council described a series of educational events, workshops and a K–12 poster contest planned for April.

- Suspension of rules to refer resolutions (two-thirds required): mover Alder Watson; second Alder Neil; outcome: approved 10-0.

- File 25-0304, ordinance amending section 10.20.08(A) designating no parking on the east side of North Sixth Avenue (beginning at Qua Street and extending 12 feet south): mover Alder Watson; second Alder Neil; outcome: approved 10-0.

- File 25-0305, council resolution approving ethics-board recusal rules: mover Alder Lukens; second Alder Watson; outcome: approved 9-1.

What the council and speakers said

Tracy Schlegel, executive director of NAMI Northwoods, described receiving intensive inpatient mental-health treatment paid in part by BadgerCare and said she believed the program was essential for other residents facing severe illness. Paula Meadows, a Wausau resident and veteran, spoke during public comment expressing opposition to the original resolution and urging caution about petitions to higher government levels; her remarks were recorded as part of public testimony.

During council debate, alderpersons repeatedly framed the resolution as a local concern rather than a purely partisan or national policy matter. Alder Rasmussen noted that municipal organizations, including the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, often issue template resolutions on matters that affect local operations; Alder Tierney and Alder Lukens emphasized potential effects on children’s vaccination and preventive-care access, emergency-room use, and long-term care placements. Alder Killian asked City Attorney Caitlin Jacobson to clarify voting mechanics; Jacobson explained that an affirmative vote signaled agreement with the resolution’s language expressing opposition to cuts.

What the resolution does and does not do

The resolution adopted by the council is an expression of the body’s opinion and a request to state and federal officials; it does not alter local budgets, authorize new spending, or direct city departments to implement new programs. Council members described the intent as informing legislators and state officials of local concerns about the effects of Medicaid reductions on public health, public safety, and municipal services.

Other business

Council members also approved a package of procedural and local ordinance items, including a parking restriction on North Sixth Avenue and an ethics-board recusal rule. A proposed purchase of a ladder truck was pulled from the agenda and deferred for further work.

Closing

The council adjourned after the regular business and public-comment period; members said the council will continue to monitor state and federal proposals affecting BadgerCare and other programs that agency officials and alderpersons stressed have direct local consequences.