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By Cara L. Dempski
HUDSON – On July 6, the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors supported a resolution adding its support to Gov. Evers’ 2021-2023 budget item expanding Medicaid in Wisconsin. The vote occurred after approximately 30 minutes of discussion, during which supervisor Scottie Ard advocated for passage. Ard argued, “if we do not support this, we are not serving the people. This is about service!” She also estimated every dollar that comes in serves between three and five people. She emphasized supporting Medicaid expansion is not just about providing health insurance, it is about providing integrated services for residents, such as mental health services, behavioral health screening, and economic support services. Ard informed the Board supporting Medicaid expansion could provide services to assist in maintaining child safety in homes; it could help reduce abuse and neglect of elderly citizens. She explained Medicaid expansion could assist counties in saving money through providing more options to assist citizens.
Supervisor Hall inquired as to why the expansion had not yet been pursued if it provided so many benefits, St. Croix County economic support administrator Rhonda Brown indicated it was her understanding it had not been pursued previously because of a fear of larger government, causing Ard to exclaim, “this is not about politics, it is about people!”
Ard explained it was time to step out of politics and focus on people, saying the services provided go toward helping someone become a “whole person.”
The Medicaid resolution was not the only one to receive Board support during the meeting. A resolution adding an ATV/UTV route along County Highway CC from 210th St. to Goose Lake Rd. also was approved.
County administrator Ken Witt informed the Board the county is sticking to its budget so far in 2021.
According to the agenda, supervisors had no special presentations or recognitions during this meeting. All items on the consent agenda passed without needing to be separated into individual items for discussion.
The St. Croix County Board of Supervisors will meet next at 5 p.m. August 3.
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