Derrick Van Orden, U.S. Representative of Wisconsin's 3rd congressional district | Official U.S. House Headshot
Derrick Van Orden, U.S. Representative of Wisconsin's 3rd congressional district | Official U.S. House Headshot
Congressman Derrick Van Orden has urged Governor Tony Evers to quickly sign the Wisconsin FY 2025-27 state budget into law. The state budget proposes an increase in the state provider tax rate, which needs to be implemented before the anticipated signing of a federal healthcare bill known as the "One, Big, Beautiful Bill."
For nearly ten years, Wisconsin's provider tax rate has remained at 1.7%. The proposed federal legislation will allow non-Medicaid expansion states with provider tax rates up to 6% to remain unaffected. Congressman Van Orden emphasized the urgency of enacting the state budget to fully benefit from Medicaid provisions included in the federal bill.
“I cannot emphasize enough the importance of signing the proposed state budget into law without delay. As you are aware, timely enactment is especially critical this year due to the proposed increase in the state provider tax, which must be effectuated before the anticipated signing of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill on or around July 4, 2025,” Rep. Van Orden stated in his letter.
He further warned that delaying beyond July 3rd could jeopardize significant opportunities for Wisconsin’s healthcare system and its residents. “Delaying the state budget enactment beyond July 3rd risks losing vital opportunities for the state’s healthcare system and the Wisconsinites who rely on it," he noted.
Van Orden highlighted that he came to Washington with a mission to support rural Wisconsin. He expressed eagerness to collaborate with state senators and assembly members alongside Governor Evers to ensure better living conditions for Wisconsinites.
The congressman outlined potential benefits from passing both bills: “Wisconsin will immediately receive a $500,000,000 plus up for rural healthcare infrastructure, and an additional billion dollars annually for healthcare in our great state.”
Additionally, he mentioned protections for SNAP recipients and various fiscal benefits such as preventing a 25% tax hike on families and making small business deductions permanent while removing certain taxes affecting farmers.
In conclusion, Van Orden appealed directly: “Please act swiftly to sign the budget and secure the provider tax increase in time to meet this critical federal deadline.”
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