Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker released his proposed 2015-17 state budget on Feb. 3.
It includes major reforms to the Medicaid program, Family Care, SeniorCare and other safety net programs that will have direct effects on some of the Jewish community’s people.
Now that the budget has been introduced, the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) will begin reviewing the document. JFC will hold hearings with state agency leaders, conduct several public hearings throughout the state and then make modifications to the proposed budget.
After JFC finishes its work in May, the bill goes to the Senate and Assembly for approval.
• Family Care Expansion and Reform
The proposed budget expands the Family Care program, which provides long-term care services to the elderly and adults with disabilities, statewide.
It also includes major reforms to the way the program currently operates and adds acute and primary care to the benefit package.
• BadgerCare Childless Adult Reforms
Walker recommends reforming health care coverage for low-income childless adults by requiring monthly premiums for all enrolled childless adults and higher premiums for childless adults who engage in high-risk health behaviors.
Additionally, the proposed budget would require health risk assessments and screening for drug use to receive benefits. Finally, BadgerCare enrollment for childless adults will be capped at 48 months.
The budget would require older adults to enroll in Medicare Part D before accessing SeniorCare.
• Elderly and Disabled Transportation
The budget increases funding by $438,000 for elderly and disabled aids to local governments and nonprofit organizations in order to provide vital transportation services for senior citizens and people with disabilities. This represents a 1 percent increase of the program.
• Drug Testing for FoodShare and other public benefits
Walker proposes drug testing for recipients of unemployment insurance benefits, FoodShare and other programs provided by the Departments of Children and Families and Health Services.
• Services for Child Victims of Sex Trafficking
Walker recommends providing $2 million in funding to expand treatment services for child victims of sex trafficking.
Walker’s proposed budget removes the enrollment cap on the statewide school choice program, which provides tax funding to private and parochial, including Jewish, schools. Under current law, enrollment in the statewide choice program is capped at 1,000 students.
Michael Blumenfeld is executive director of the Wisconsin Jewish Conference.
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