Forward Janesville Opposes “Healthy Wisconsin”

Forward Janesville announced its opposition to the State Senate’s “Healthy Wisconsin” proposal on July 23.  Healthy Wisconsin, a universal health care plan that would be funded by a payroll tax on workers and their employers, is included in the Senate’s biennial budget proposal. 

After several weeks spent gathering input from its members and closely studying the proposal, FJI has concluded that the plan could cause serious harm to businesses across the state.  The organization has several major concerns about Healthy Wisconsin, including:

• The plan is likely to get more expensive over time due to wage growth and escalations in health care costs, forcing the state to raise taxes again to pay for it.

• Healthy Wisconsin does little to address the root causes of rising health care costs, such as unhealthy lifestyles, poor management of chronic diseases, and over-utilization of healthcare services.

• The plan could have a very negative impact on Wisconsin’s workforce.  Many full time workers would prefer to transition to part time employment or retire, but would lose their health care coverage by doing so.  Since Healthy Wisconsin provides coverage to nearly all citizens, it creates a disincentive to work.  This could create a huge unanticipated hole in Wisconsin’s already dwindling workforce.

• Finally, the plan will create unique challenges for Wisconsin’s border counties, as our communities could become a magnet for uninsured people from neighboring states who wish to take advantage of Healthy Wisconsin.  This possible influx could lead to a rapid and unforeseen cost escalation, making further tax increases necessary.

“Year after year, Forward Janesville members cite access to affordable health care coverage as the top concern facing their businesses,” said Dan Cunningham, FJI’s Vice President of Government Relations.  “While we commend Senator Robson and the Senate for bringing the debate on the future of health care in Wisconsin to the forefront, we just don’t believe that Healthy Wisconsin is the right way to achieve health care reform.

“In our view, allowing state government to get into the health insurance business a dangerous idea,” Cunningham added.  FJI supports market-driven health care reforms aimed at increasing consumerism, competition and personal responsibility to help keep costs under control.  For more information, contact Dan Cunningham at 757-3160. 

Back To Report Online