Lawmakers introduce their “Wisconsin Cares” initiative. (Photo: Andrew Beckett)
A bipartisan package of bills being proposed at the Capitol seeks to improve the care of those suffering from diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
The “Wisconsin Cares” initiative includes a series of bills that will invest more money into respite care, help expand education and awareness, and increase training for police to handle incidents involving people who are showing signs of those diseases. Other measures would increase research dollars and add new dementia care specialists.
State Rep. Mike Rohrkaste (R-Neenah), who chaired the legislative task force that helped develop the proposals, said at a Capitol news conference this week that the measures will help improve the quality of life for nearly 110,000 Wisconsin residents who are suffering from neuro-degenerative diseases, as well as their caregivers.
The bills carry a combined price tag of about $2 million, which backers argue is worth the investment in the state. Sponsors say they are confident they can move the legislation through the Capitol before the session ends this spring.