Milwaukee committee backs state bills to extend postpartum Medicaid and allow pharmacists to prescribe some contraceptives; supports tribute resolution

The Milwaukee Common Council Judiciary and Legislation Committee on Feb. 24 voted to support multiple state-level measures, including expanding postpartum Medicaid coverage and allowing pharmacists to prescribe certain contraceptives, and supported a ceremonial resolution honoring a local figure.

Jordan Primico, Intergovernmental Relations Division director, and colleagues presented three legislative items and recommended committee positions. The body voted to support the items and to transmit its guidance to the city’s lobbyists who will carry the city’s positions to the state capitol in Madison.

Why it matters: The committee’s support signals municipal backing for state policy changes that would affect public-health access and could affect the city’s constituents if state lawmakers pass the bills.

Items and committee action

- Postpartum Medicaid extension (Senate Bill 023): The committee voted to support a bill that would extend BadgerCare coverage for postpartum care from 60 days to 12 months, with a review option after 12 months. Primico said the City of Milwaukee Health Department strongly supports the measure and that it would have no direct fiscal impact on city operations. The motion to support carried with no recorded objections.

- Pharmacist-prescribed contraception (AB43 / SB42): The committee voted to support legislation that would permit pharmacists to prescribe certain contraceptives, expanding access where primary-care services are limited. City health staff and legislative presenters said the measure would reduce barriers and improve outcomes by making contraception more affordable and accessible. The motion to support carried with no recorded…