Wausau City Hall. MWC photo by Mike Leischner
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The Wausau City Council has successfully overridden Mayor Doug Diny’s veto of a resolution expressing support for programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
Mayor Doug Diny opened the item by saying he is not opposed to the programs, but he doesn’t think it is the city’s place to speak on such topics. “This was my vote, and I feel that we need to stick to city business. That was the point of my vote. We have a lot of things we can do and we need to get going on them.”
But many Alders who spoke in favor said it is the city’s business. Council President Lisa Rasmussen said that when mental health issues go untreated, it can lead to problems elsewhere. “We can’t have pressure on public safety services because people aren’t getting the care that they need.”
Alder Lou Larson said city government amounts to the “bottom level” for many residents. “If we don’t say something, who is? I can’t turn my back on the citizens of District 10 because I do believe this is a city [issue]. It’s also national.”
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.
RELATED: Mayor Diny Issues Veto for Council Resolution Regarding Medicaid
Diny’s veto message accused the Council of “promulgating Democrat Party messaging.”
Alder Gary Gisselman said his support wasn’t about political affiliation. He was disappointed that the conversation had gone there. “We tried to navigate the world that our citizens live in. We tried the best that we [could] to put aside political motivation or advantage.”
Tuesday’s vote was 9-0, with Alder Becky McElhaney abstaining. Alder Chad Henke was excused. Immediately following the vote, Diny noted that “the Council has spoken. Thank you.”
The measure now goes back to Mayor Diny’s desk. If he doesn’t sign it, it can still take effect.
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