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HHS forms legislative-education committee to brief legislators, staff say
Summary
St. Croix County Health & Human Services staff described a legislative-education committee chaired by Kristen Newton to translate how bills could affect HHS services, produce concise briefings and hold quarterly meetings with state lawmakers to provide objective, nonpartisan information.
Health & Human Services staff told the board on Dec. 17 that the department has formed a legislative-education committee, chaired by Kristen Newton, to synthesize how pending legislation could affect HHS funding and service delivery.
The committee, developed from the department’s 2023–26 strategic plan, will prepare concise one-page summaries of significant bills and meet quarterly with state legislators to offer nonpartisan analysis and answer questions. Staff said the goal is to give both the workforce and local policymakers clearer, objective information about policy impacts so staff can respond accurately when asked about program implications.
Board members referenced a previously effective model of 'legislative breakfasts' held before COVID and said they supported reviving engagement with state lawmakers. Staff cited recent direct contacts from legislators’ offices seeking technical information as evidence the county can serve as a subject-matter resource.
No formal policy endorsements or lobbying positions were recorded; staff framed the effort as informational and relationship-building.
