A new Badger Poll from the UW Survey Center finds a slim margin of support for a state-run health care system. Of those surveyed, 51-percent back the plan for universal health care coverage that's being pushed by state Senate Democrats, while 45-percent were opposed.
State Senate President Fred Risser (D-Madison) says the margin should be bigger. Risser says health care is the number on issue facing many Wisconsinites. He says the idea in Wisconsin is a "really good idea" and is much better than various efforts from the federal government and other states.
Critics don't like the way the plan is funded, based on a $15 billion payroll tax. Democrats are expected to revive the issue in the January legislative session.