Baldwin: Walker Medicaid decision 'driven by politics'

U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin is asking Gov. Scott Walker to reconsider his decision to reject federal funding to expand Medicaid in the state, charging the move was "driven by politics instead of progress for our state."

In a letter sent yesterday, Baldwin, D-Madison, said the decision turns down a "significant federal investment" that would have bolstered Wisconsin's health care access and economy.

And she argues that in addition to forcing many low-income Wisconsinites out of their current coverage, efforts to expand coverage under the governor's proposal would "shortchange these individuals because they will not gain access to the robust coverage available to them under the (Affordable Care Act).

"I am committed to providing economic security for hardworking Wisconsin families and businesses who deserve quality health insurance coverage," Baldwin writes.