Advocates for EMS - WEMSA at the Frontline

The Wisconsin EMS Association (WEMSA), it's Board of Directors, and other stakeholders in EMS across Wisconsin have been active advocates for the challenges and issues facing EMS throughout this legislative session.

WEMSA's Political Action Committee (WEMSA-PAC™) has been actively engaged with legislators on coming up with solutions for the many challenges that have faced EMS professionals throughout Wisconsin. Many of those challenges include, but are not limited to these:

• Department Funding
• Staffing / Recruitment
• Medicaid Reimbursement

^{Supporters for EMS met with Senator Jacque}

This legislative session has been a victory for WEMSA and for EMS across Wisconsin. With a record-setting session for funding for EMS at nearly $46 million in total funding in 2021 and 2022, putting Wisconsin EMS Medicaid Reimbursement

^{Brian Donaldson (left) Chanse Kaczmarski (right)}

around 96%, higher than most states across the country. In addition, more funding through the FAP program and a new grant program will help both transport and non-transport departments.

Funding that can be used for increased pay, equipment, moving to a paid staff model, recruitment and retention, training, and so much more.

Brian Donaldson (right) Chanse Kaczmarski (left) met with Governor Tony Evers 2022

Members don't always see first hand all of the legislative work in the background, but it never stops. Not every year are we successful with our hopes and goals, but we always try. This past session was a success.

With the 2021-2022 legislative session coming to an end, that doesn't mean WEMSA stops advocating, creating relationships, and working to address the challenges that departments and professionals face each and every day.

Bob Salov testifying for EMS

WEMSA Board Members and supporters met with Rep Horlacher