As Senate Democrats tout their new health care plan, there's plenty of opposition, but Democrats are ready to take 'em on.
The proposed universal healthcare plan would give all Wisconsin residents access to the same health care benefits as our state lawmakers get. Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce doesn't like the idea. That doesn't surprise State Senator Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton). "WMC plays a specific role in our society. Their role is to say 'no' to anything Democrats come up with."
The biggest gripe is the $15-billion tax increase to fund the program. Coverage will be paid for by a payroll deduction … about $370 a month for the average employer and $140 for the average employee. Erpenbach says, "This is actually a $2-billion tax cut ."
Senator Kathleen Vinehout (D-Eau Claire) says making change happen will not be easy, but they won't shy away from the challenge. "Special interests will fight us every step of the way; companies with high-priced marketing firms will hurl baseless charges at us and fill the airways with misinformation, but we are ready."
Under "Healthy Wisconsin," all Wisconsin residents under 65 are guaranteed health insurance through a choice of public or private plans, regardless of preexisting conditions.
AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report (1:33 MP3)
