Recently-reelected Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers (D) has announced his intention to deliver the State of the State address on February 7, 2023. The Governor will also unveil his proposed 2023-25 State Budget bill  either in late February or early March.

See the Governor’s letter to the legislature announcing his plans here.

Earlier this month, Gov. Evers’ administration announced a projected state budget surplus of $6.6 billion.

WHCA/WiCAL’s government affairs team recently met with the Governor’s staff to discuss LTC providers’ funding priorities for the next biennial state budget.

WHCA/WiCAL’s SNF budget request includes funding the Direct Care-Nursing and Support Services cost centers at the Median plus 25%, as well as increasing the Property cost center so that facilities are reimbursed their costs.

For Assisted Living/Family Care, WHCA/WiCAL’s request includes maintaining and building upon current rate increases while taking into account the need to ensure sufficient funding while the state finalizes rate bands. That consideration includes a request for bridge funding prior to implementation of rate bands.

WHCA/WiCAL plans additional meetings with key decision makers in state government to advocate for investing in and prioritizing long-term care during the next legislative session.