Doug Diny
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Wausau Mayor Doug Diny has vetoed a council resolution supporting Medicaid.
In a statement on Monday, Diny said he’s turning down the resolution because it’s not the council’s business to go “looking for problems” outside the city.
The City of Wausau has enough work for Council members,” said Diny. “The council would do well to stay in its lane and to keep its focus on local issues.”
The measure passed the Council 10-0 with one abstention. That came from Alder Becky McElhaney, who didn’t vote because she works in the medical field.
Alder Sarah Watson brought the resolution to the Public Health and Safety Committee in late February, saying she was concerned about rumoured cuts to the program at the federal level. The resolution notes that 23% of Marathon County residents rely on Medicaid and that the program is “an important funding source for mental health care” in the city.
Republicans- including President Donald Trump- have said numerous times that the programs will not be slashed as part of proposed spending cuts.
Diny called the resolution disingenuous and noted that residents concerned about federal or state matters can contact those leaders directly. He went on to say, “there are no proposed cuts to Medicaid currently. What is particularty objectionable is that a so-called non-partisan city council is abusing its position to promulgate Democrat Party messaging and scare people. The Wausau Common Council should rethink engaging in political virtue signaling.”
In a statement to WAOW TV, Council President Lisa Rasmussen said, “I’m disappointed to see the veto and more disparaging remarks about the council from the mayor. Part of being a mayor for everyone is recognizing the impact decisions made in the upper levels of government will have on your city. Funding and program cuts that reduce citizens’ access to health care and mental health services create direct impact to local services, agencies and taxpayers. The council will gladly take this matter up on March 11.”
Should the Council vote to override the veto, the measure would go back to Diny’s desk.
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