For the City Times

Rural Wisconsin Initiative Bills Inserted seeks to Improve Health Care Access

MADISON —  Two proposals authored by Senator Testin to bolster rural Wisconsin’s healthcare workforce were added to the budget by the Joint Finance Committee on May 26. The proposals, which are part of the Rural Wisconsin Initiative, could create two $1 million matching grant programs for the training of Advanced Practice Clinicians and for the training of Allied Health Professionals.

Sen. Testin is hopeful that these programs will help attract more front-line health professionals to rural Wisconsin.

“These programs will help ensure that people in Western and Central Wisconsin have access to the high level of care that they expect when they visit a hospital or clinic. By increasing the opportunities for local medical facilities to train these professionals, we are making a critical investment in our workforce and our well-being.”

Testin went on to explain that Thursday’s budget additions were the result of months of hard work by dozens of legislators.

“Progress would not have been possible without the support of the 26 members of the Rural Wisconsin Initiative in the Assembly, partners in the Senate, bi-partisan co-sponsors, and of course, the twelve members of the Joint Finance Committee who gave their support. This was a real team effort that resulted in a big win for rural Wisconsin.”

To learn more about the Rural Wisconsin Initiative, its goals, and its supporters, please visit www.RuralWisconsinInitiative.com.