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May 2005 Bay View Compass Editorial
Dear Bay View Compass Readers,
Last month there was media coverage related to possible service cuts in the 2006 Budget. Some have argued this may happen because of the results of the Public Referendum on issuing Pension Obligation Bonds as well as current departmental deficits. On April 5, 2005 Milwaukee County voters decided that the issuing of pension obligation bonds to balance the county budget was just too risky. As a result, County Executive Walker began discussing possible budget cuts all over Milwaukee County. He discussed cutting transit services, senior centers, and even the Mitchell Park Domes. One program that may be targeted is GAMP, or the General Assistance Medical Program.
This program serves over 20,000 Milwaukee County residents with basic health care coverage. Many depend on this critical service for primary health care problems which helps to prevent these cases from overflowing into local emergency rooms. The General Assistance Medical Program is important, not only as good public policy, but also on the financial level for your local tax investments. Imagine if this program didn't exist, since this is the last resort for many indigent people, many of these GAMP users would still need medical attention and would probably seek it in local emergency rooms. If the cost wasn't picked up by GAMP, which brings down a large amount of private and federal matching dollars, the hospitals would pick up the cost and would find a way to increase overall health care costs. You can be sure that during the County Budget process, which is scheduled to begin in August, I will keep you up to date on issues affecting our county and there will many opportunities for public discourse.
Lastly, at our County Board meeting on April 28, 2005 the County Board approved legislation which I co-sponsored creating and dedicating a portion of the Milwaukee County Grounds as open, green space. This is important due to the large amount of economic development taking place in that area and the desire for a portion to remain green. The County Board also approved legislation I sponsored asking for the extension of Route 54 bus service which serves Chase Ave. and near South Side neighborhoods. As always, feel free to contact me with any comments or questions you may have at 278-4232.
Your Milwaukee County Supervisor Marina Dimitrijevic
MILWAUKEE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Courthouse Room 201, 901 North 9th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233
PHONE: 414-278-4232 FAX: 414-223-1380
Page last updated 07-19-05
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