FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 29, 2024
Governor Evers Vetoes Tele-Mental Health Legislation
Bipartisan supported legislation that would’ve helped with the mental health crisis in Wisconsin gets vetoed
DELAFIELD, WI – Today, Governor Evers vetoed Assembly Bill (AB) 541 – the tele-mental health bill – which would have allowed Wisconsinites greater options to access services from telehealth providers from out of state. This bill had strong bipartisan support in both the Senate and the Assembly and would have dramatically expanded the pool of providers available to those who need it most.
WHAT THIS MEANS: Despite Governor Evers calling mental health a “crisis” and dubbing last year “The Year of Mental Health,” the mental health problem in Wisconsin has not gotten better. AB 541 would have made mental health care more accessible for Wisconsinites across the state by allowing people to access treatments across state lines.
WHY DOES IT MATTER: Governor Evers temporarily allowed Wisconsinites to utilize telehealth services from out-of-state providers during COVID. This was helpful to those in rural and underserved areas of the state, and it allowed college students from other states to keep their previous providers remotely. With today’s veto, folks in Wisconsin will continue to struggle to find providers for their mental health needs.
QUOTE: “We are disappointed that Governor Tony Evers refused to deliver a bipartisan win for mental health today. Wisconsinites all across the state recognize AB 541 is a commonsense solution that will change lives by expanding the number of providers for critical mental health treatments. IRG Action will continue to fight for solutions to help those in our state struggling to find the care that they need.” – IRG Action Executive Vice President Chris Reader
For questions, contact Courtney Mullen: cm@reforminggovernment.org.
###
IRG Action Fund is the 501(c)(4) advocacy partner to the Institute for Reforming Government. To view this press release online, click here.