I’m Dan Shafer. Let’s recombobulate. 

On April 22 in the Wisconsin State Senate, something happened that you don’t see too often — a high profile bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. The Republican-controlled chamber voted 32-1 to extend Medicaid coverage for new moms from 60 days to 12 months. Wisconsin is one of only two U.S. states to not have already extended this critical postpartum coverage. 

So, with that kind of support, you’d expect the bill to pass, right?

Well, not exactly. Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has repeatedly blocked this legislation from coming up for a vote. Several Republican state representatives have been speaking out on this, urging Vos to change his tune, but he has not budged. 

It’s time for Vos to end this charade and allow this bill to come up for a vote. If he’s opposed, he can still vote against it, but one person should not block a bill that has already been supported by the majority of his own party, the majority of his own caucus. Let the people vote, Mr. Speaker.

Find all of Dan's work at The Recombobulation Area. Subscribe to The Recombobulation Area's podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, and see more the Civic Media website.