Author: Matt

Wisconsin would benefit from setting up its own exchange, Dennis Smith said today during a confirmation hearing for his appointment as Secretary of the Department of Health Services. The Senate Health Committee unanimously approved the appointment. The full Senate is expected to take it up on Tuesday, according to an official in the office of Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau. (WHN, 1/20)

As Wisconsin’s only dental school for more than 100 years, Marquette University School of Dentistry has a responsibility and longstanding commitment to educate the state’s future dentists and promote oral health statewide, writes Marquette University School of Dentistry Dean William Lobb, D.D.S., M.S., M.P.H., in an opinion editorial. (SUPERIOR TELEGRAM, 1/20)

Democratic Rep. Ron Kind warned repeal is bad for midwestern families, bad for small businesses and bad for the deficit, the La Crosse Tribune reports. The House passed the repeal on a 245-189 vote — with three Democrats joining with Republicans — after nearly five hours of debate. (LA CROSSE TRIBUNE, 1/20)

First District Rep. Paul Ryan said there's more to come after the House votes on repeal of the health care reform law this week. (JANESVILLE GAZETTE, 1/20)

Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch has spoken out about comments by a Madison radio show host about her cancer battle, while the host has given her an apology. (TMJ4, 1/20)

The Wisconsin Legislature is set to pass a bill backed by Gov. Scott Walker that would essentially repeal the state income tax on donations made to Health Savings Accounts. The measure was up for votes Thursday in the state Senate and Assembly. (AP, 1/20)

Reps. Sean Duffy and Reid Ribble helped House Republicans take the first step Wednesday in their highly charged effort to overturn the health care reforms President Barack Obama signed into law last March. (APPLETON POST CRESCENT, 1/20)

Christine Larson is among those opposing a bill that would limit punitive damages as well as extend the current cap of $750,000 on damages for pain and suffering in medical malpractice cases to nursing homes, hospices and assisted living facilities, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. (JOURNAL SENTINEL, 1/19)