Republican state Sen. Mary Felzkowski voiced her frustration about stalled health care legislation as the new year approaches. In a recent interview, she emphasized the need for states to actively address their own health care issues instead of waiting for federal action.
Felzkowski remarked, “We can’t keep waiting on Washington to solve problems. States have to step up and get things done.” This reflects a sentiment shared by many state leaders who believe local solutions are vital, especially when federal gridlock persists.
Switching gears, the discussion turned to the recent surge of data centers looking to establish operations in Wisconsin. Felzkowski expressed cautious interest. While these centers can boost local property taxes, they often do not create many jobs. She said, “You don’t know what you don’t know,” highlighting the uncertainty surrounding their long-term impact.
When asked if there would be any legislative proposals regarding data centers in the coming year, she replied that she hadn’t heard of any ongoing discussions.
Regarding health care costs, Felzkowski is hopeful for progress in January, particularly with initiatives for hospital price transparency and a mandatory all-payer claims database. One notable effort is “Cole’s Law,” aimed at reforming pharmacy benefit managers, which has spurred debate among lawmakers and employer groups.
She noted that while the bill is through committee, securing enough votes remains a challenge. There’s hesitance from some major employers who may not fully understand the proposed provisions. “I’m hoping we can get there,” she said, illustrating her determination to push for reform.
The political climate adds another layer of complexity. Felzkowski described the challenge of navigating a Republican legislature with a Democratic governor during a time when President Donald Trump was in office. “It’s interesting,” she shared, referring to the frustrations of opposing agendas. The interaction of state and federal regulations can create ongoing hurdles.
An example of this tension is the contention over Medicaid data—an issue that has led to legal battles. Felzkowski pointed out that refusing to share data could hinder efforts to identify and address potential fraud in the system.
Amid these discussions, public sentiment on social media highlights a growing impatience with political gridlock. Many Wisconsinites are eager for tangible improvements in healthcare and state operations.
As state leaders, including Felzkowski, push for change, the local electorate closely watches, hoping for meaningful reform in the year ahead.
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