Wisconsin tribes call for state cooperation on topics including health care, gaming, environment

Wisconsin tribes call for state cooperation on topics including health care, gaming, environment

Article brief provided by WUWM
  • Chuck Quirmbach, WUWM
March 15, 2023 4:03 PM
  • Chuck Quirmbach, WUWM
  • Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s 11 federally-recognized tribes are calling for more state cooperation on health care, casino revenue, and protecting the environment.

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Robert Van Zile, chairman of the Sokaogan Chippewa Community, spelled out details when delivering the annual State of the Tribes speech Tuesday at the State Capitol.

One thing Van Zile told Gov. Tony Evers and about 130 lawmakers is that tribes receive very limited funds from the federal Indian Health Services program. Van Zile says that makes it tough to hire and keep health care providers.

“Wage pressure and difficulty recruiting medical talent. Rural areas are really hurting and hindering quality care for patient care,” Van Zile said.

Van Zile asked for a change in Wisconsin law that would allow nurse practitioners to work without supervision from physicians.