Lawmakers in the Wisconsin State Assembly. (Photo: WRN)
The state Assembly has approved a broad package of legislation aimed at improving the services and care of those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
The bills include increased funding for respite care programs and expanding education and awareness efforts about the disease. Neenah Republican Mike Rohrkaste, who co-chaired the task force that produced the package, said the bills are “about helping our moms, our dads, our grandparents…and maybe even our kids as well all age.”
The bills received broad bipartisan support, with Janesville Democrat Deb Kolste noting it’s an issue that effects a lot of lives. Kolste called the diseases the next big epidemic in the country, and “the most important medical thing we’re going to address in the next few decades.”
The bills carry a combined estimated budget impact of about $2 million for the biennium. All ten passed on voice votes and now head to the Senate.