Care the Works
Health care at a price all Wisconsin residents can afford
Everyone deserves the peace of mind that comes from knowing they can see a doctor, fill a prescription, or get care for their loved one without worrying about out of control medical bills. Healthy families build strong communities, and access to quality, affordable health care should not depend on where you live, your job, or your income.
But too many Wisconsin families struggle with out of control health care costs. While families work hard and pay more every year, large insurance companies and other powerful interests often put profits ahead of people. They influence our decision makers and protect a system that drives up costs and leaves families paying more while getting less. The result is that people delay care, skip medications, or take on debt just to survive.
Decision makers should ensure that every resident has access to affordable, high-quality health coverage and care. This includes strengthening Medicaid and BadgerCare, reducing out-of-pocket costs, expanding access to preventive services so that people can stay healthy.
Child care at no more than 5% of a family’s income.
Every child deserves a strong start in life, and every parent deserves the opportunity to work, learn, and care for their family knowing their child is safe, supported, and thriving. Child care is not a luxury. It is essential infrastructure—just like roads or schools—that helps families, businesses, and communities succeed.
Wisconsin families are paying more and more for child care, yet providers and educators still struggle to make ends meet. This didn't happen by accident. For decades, policymakers have treated child care as a private family responsibility instead of a public good. Wealthy interests and lawmakers who oppose public investments have blocked the funding needed to build a child care system that works for everyone. Families are left paying the price through unaffordable costs, limited options, and long waitlists.
Families should pay no more than 5% of their income for child care, a benchmark widely recognized as affordable. Wisconsin can achieve this by increasing public investment in child care, helping providers keep their doors open, supporting early educators, and expanding access to affordable care in every community.
Decision makers should invest in a sustainable child care system that caps family costs at 5% of income, strengthens the child care workforce, and ensures every family can find affordable, high-quality care close to home.