Date: June 17, 2002
For more information contact: Kyle Richmond (608) 267-9336 or kyle.richmond@oci.state.wi.us

Madison, WI--Governor Scott McCallum announced today that his first Health Care Listening Session will take place at 1:30 pm on Monday, June 24, at the Sandburg Halls on the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee campus.

"We've been hearing from many people from all over the state with ideas and the desire to share them. That was my goal for these sessions," McCallum said. "All of us, especially Wisconsin employers, need to know what the best and newest ideas are for cutting costs and ensuring good health care."

McCallum also announced that the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) has devoted a Web page to the listening sessions, in order to update state residents about sites and times for the meetings. The listening sessions page address is http://oci.wi.gov/special/listen.htm

Insurance Commissioner Connie O'Connell and Health and Family Services Secretary Phyllis Dubé will lead the sessions in Milwaukee, Eau Claire, Green Bay, La Crosse and Wausau. Dates for future sessions will be announced to the news media and posted on the OCI's Web site.

"We intend to keep this on the front burner by revisiting the subject once a month around the state," Secretary Dubé said. "Some of the pain Wisconsinites are feeling - about maintaining their health while prices surge - must translate into action."

The McCallum administration has an aggressive health care agenda. SeniorCare, a prescription drug program for Seniors, begins September 1. Wisconsin Wins, a program to prevent tobacco products from getting into the hands of Wisconsin youth, was kicked off last week. Still, many health care issues, particularly increases in costs, continue to concern Wisconsinites.

"I'm confident that by listening to the best practices established by many segments of our community we can continue to improve the health and wellness of Wisconsin 's citizens," Governor McCallum said.

UW-M's Sandburg Halls are located at 3400 N. Maryland Avenue in Milwaukee.