Gov. Walker is letting partisan politics get in the way of good policy. Scott Walker's decision to reject federal funds to expand BadgerCare under the Affordable Care Act is short-sided and will cost Wisconsin lives and tax dollars.

According to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau – a non-partisan service agency that provides fiscal and program information to the Legislature – Walker’s decision to reject BadgerCare funds will cost Wisconsin taxpayers $206 million over two years. That is a whopping 73% more than previously estimated.

The good news is it is not too late for Gov. Walker to change course and accept BadgerCare funds. Estimates show Wisconsin taxpayers would save another $261 million to $315 million through June, 2017, if federal funds are accepted in the next state budget.

Not only would the state save money, but accepting federal funds would allow an estimated 87,000 individuals to receive health care coverage through Wisconsin's BadgerCare program. When Gov. Scott Walker decided to turn down the federal funds, 63,000 Wisconsinites were kicked off the program as a result.

Expanding BadgerCare is a win-win and it's not too late to change course. Your vote in November will have a direct impact on the health of tens of thousands of Wisconsinites. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mary Burke has stated that if elected she would accept funds and expand BadgerCare to cover more Wisconsinites and save taxpayers money. Wisconsin is ready to care for the sick and save money. Wisconsin is ready to expand BadgerCare. Wisconsin is ready for Mary Burke!



