Committee forwards resolution opposing proposed Medicaid cuts to full council

The Wausau Public Health and Safety Committee voted unanimously to forward a resolution opposing proposed federal or state cuts to Medicaid to the full Common Council for consideration.

Alder Sarah, who said she serves as president of the board of NAMI Northwoods, described the resolution as an effort to provide a unified local voice expressing concern that Medicaid reductions would reduce access to physical and mental health care and create downstream public-safety and budget pressures. “If Medicaid was to be cut, it could take resources from our public safety partners,” she said.

Committee members agreed the council often speaks with a unified voice on federal and state matters affecting residents. Chair and other members noted Marathon County and Wausau have substantial shares of Medicaid users; staff materials cited that about 23% of Marathon County residents use Medicaid and that the city contains roughly 30% of the county population. The committee voted to forward the revised specimen resolution to the council and to expedite it for the council’s next meeting so elected officials may decide whether to adopt and distribute it to state and federal representatives.

The resolution will be processed through the clerk’s office if the council elects to act; committee members said they intended the resolution to draw attention to potential consequences for providers, public safety and community health if funding is reduced.