Wisconsin Rapids, Wis (WFHR, WIRI, WXCO)

The visit from Lt. Governor Sara Rodriguez on Monday highlighted Gov. Evers creation of the Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce. She visited the Medical College of Wisconsin in Wausau on Monday. Being a former ER nurse, Lt. Gov Rodriguez has first hand knowledge on staffing shortages and the stresses our healthcare workforce are facing. Lt. Gov Rodriguez is a registered nurse with a master’s degree in nursing and public health. She has held various leadership roles in healthcare, public health, and population health management. Gov. Evers appointed her as chair of the task force to work toward real, impactful solutions in the healthcare industry.

Recommendations for positive change

Lt. Gov Rodriguez spoke to nursing students at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Wausau about the challenges facing the healthcare industry. She said the Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce will be able to put forward recommendations that would be policy, requiring legislative approval. They will also make recommendations that can be administrative. Gov. Evers will be able to put them into his next budget.

WI would receive Federal dollars by expanding Medicaid

Nursing students asked questions at the end of the Lt. Governor’s visit. One asked how the Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce plans to address the loss of hospitals closing, especially in rural areas. The Lt. Governor said one of the areas that is important to her is Medicaid expansion. She said rural hospitals have a high percentage of medicaid patients. By expanding Medicaid and Badgercare, these rural hospitals would receive money from the federal government. Wisconsin is now one of only 10 states which have not expanded Medicaid to the Affordable Care Act Requirements. But we’re the only state that would actually save money on our general budget if we expanded.