Insurance Commissioner Houdek's Statement on Governor Evers' Budget Address
Madison, Wis. — Last night, Governor Tony Evers announced his 2023-2025 biennial budget which makes historic investments that will expand access to health care, keep our streets and communities safe, and support Wisconsin's thriving insurance industry.
The Governor's budget includes numerous provisions focused on making prescription drugs more affordable and accessible, and expanding access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment. The budget also provides important funding and staff support for the bipartisan Wisconsin Healthcare Stability Plan (WIHSP). Since 2019, WIHSP has successfully stabilized Wisconsin's individual health insurance market by lowering premiums and ensuring that residents across the state have access to more health care coverage options.
Governor Evers' budget also provides funding to curb reckless driving through comprehensive driver education and innovative road designs which will help keep our streets and communities safe. Additionally, this budget makes important investments in the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance to help protect consumers and support the continued growth of the insurance industry in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner Nathan Houdek released the following statement in support of Governor Evers' biennial budget:
"With the introduction of his 2023-25 executive budget, Governor Evers has reiterated his commitment to making health care accessible for everyone in Wisconsin. His holistic approach to addressing mental health care challenges and expanding access to affordable prescription drugs will help ensure that more Wisconsinites can get the care they need.
I appreciate Governor Evers' support for the important work that we do at OCI, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Legislature and our stakeholder partners to protect and educate consumers while strengthening Wisconsin's thriving insurance industry."