By Hoven Consulting – WiHPCA’s lobbying firm
- WiHPCA Supports Draft Occupational Credentialing Reciprocity Bill
At its March meeting, the WiHPCA Legislative Committee agreed to support legislation to establish reciprocal occupational credentialing in Wisconsin, so that people who have occupational licenses in other states are able to more easily practice their profession in Wisconsin. In addition, this would likely improve the continuing occupational credentialing processing backlog at the state Department of Safety and Professional Services.
- Governor Evers Appoints New Secretary of State
Effective on Friday, March 17, longtime Wisconsin Secretary of State Doug La Follette resigned his position. He had held that position for more than 40 years and was re-elected to a four-year term in November 2022. Also, on Friday, March 17, Governor Evers appointed former State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski as the new Secretary of State. Godlewski will serve out the remainder of La Follette’s term, which will end in January 2027.
- Senate Committee Advances Medical Examining Board Nominees
Earlier this month, the Senate Health Committee voted unanimously to advance the nominations of Gregory Schmeling, MD, of Brookfield, and Michael Parish, MD, of Wauwatosa, to serve on the Medical Examining Board (MEB), which has the authority to issue occupational licenses to physicians, as well as generally regulate this profession. Doctor Schmeling’s nomination lasts until July 2025 and Doctor Parish’s nomination lasts until July 2023. The next and final step is for the full Senate to vote on approving their nominations.
- State Senate Confirms State Insurance Commissioner
On March 22, the state Senate voted unanimously to confirm Nathan Houdek as the state Insurance Commissioner. Prior to Governor Evers nominating him to this position, he served as the Deputy Insurance Commissioner and then interim Insurance Commissioner, upon the retirement of Insurance Commissioner Mark Afable in December 2021.
- State Budget Public Hearings Scheduled for April
Earlier this month, the State Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance – the committee that writes the state budget – announced that it will hold four public hearings throughout the state to give Wisconsin residents the opportunity to testify on issues related to the Fiscal Year 2023-2025 state budget. The Joint Committee on Finance’s public hearing schedule is as follows:
For more information about these hearings, click on one of the links above.
