State News
Map Pinpoints Lyme Disease Risk Areas
Researchers who spent three years dragging sheets of fabric through the woods to snag ticks have created a detailed map they claim could improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease. The map shows a clear risk of Lyme disease across much of the Northeast, from Maine to northern Virginia. Researchers also identified a distinct high-risk region in the upper Midwest, including most of Wisconsin, northern Minnesota and a sliver of northern Illinois. (Source: La Crosse Tribune) [Read article]
Audit: Unusual Spending In Food Stamp Program
A nonpartisan audit is raising suspicions about unusual out-of-state spending in Wisconsin's food stamp program. The Legislative Audit Bureau reports today that a portion of recipients on the Wisconsin FoodShare program spent almost $33 million outside the state last year. (Source: La Crosse Tribune) [Read article]
Letter: Volunteer To Help Drive Those In Need
North Central Health Care is looking for volunteer drivers for the Marathon County Transportation Program. This program was created in 2002 to take needy people to their medical and personal appointments. However, due to increasing demands for rides, we are finding that we are in need of more drivers to accommodate the rides requested. (Source: Wausau Daily Herald) [Read article]
We Energies: First Responders
We Energies support first responders and other emergency personnel response to fires and other emergencies involving electricity and/or natural gas by providing training and material. (Source: We Energies) [Website]
Wisconsin Utilities Association Offers Free Online Training For Emergency Responders
Electricity and natural gas are two of the most common hazards at an emergency scene. The Wisconsin Utilities Association (WUA) is partnering with Callan and Associates to offer the “Responding to Utility Emergencies” course. The online training program covers the dangers that first responders must deal with when utilities are involved at an emergency. (Source: WePartner) [Read article]
Dane County: Partners With Farmers Union To Develop Business Plan For Regional Local Foods Hub
According to a Food Hub Feasibility Study completed by Dane County in 2011, a regional local foods hub would enable area farmers to aggregate their produce, and provide storage, packing and distribution, limited processing, and private labeling for interested large volume buyers in the Midwest. Buyers could include distributors, grocery stores, hospitals, hotels, and schools. (Source: WisBusiness.com) [Read article]
Medicaid Audit Reveals Challenges
An audit of a big state program shows challenges ahead. A state senator says the audit of the state’s $7.5 billion Medicaid program highlights the need for good data for lawmakers charged with overseeing it. “For example, how much precisely we’re spending on Family Care. How much precisely we’re spending on Senior Care, and a number of other programs.” (Source: WI Radio Network) [Read article]
State Health Programs Face $141M Shortfall
Wisconsin medical programs are facing budget shortfalls which could potentially take away health insurance for 30,000 children. The Legislative Fiscal Bureau released a report that estimates a $141 million shortfall in the budget for Wisconsin Medical Assistance Programs. According to the report, if the changes are approved by the federal government, around 29,100 children would no longer be enrolled in the program. The lack of coverage would stem from either new ineligibility or forced dropped enrollment because of high premiums proposed under the waiver request. (Source: Badger Herald) [Read article]
