LA CROSSE COUNTY W-2 COMMUNITY STEERING COMMITTEE
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
La Crosse County Human Services
7:45 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jackie Helgeson, Beverly Mach, Tom Miller, Ed Ryan, Vicki Truscott, Nancy Wagner
MEMBERS EXCUSED: Lisa Hahn, Jodi Widuch
MEMBERS ABSENT: Paula Egge, Tina Heyer, Diane Parduhn, Mary Ellen Prinsen. Richard Sage, Peter Thao
OTHERS PRESENT: None
CALL TO ORDER
Vicki Truscott, Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 7:55 a.m.
INTRODUCTIONS
Introductions were made.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion to approve the November 27, 2007 meeting minutes. MOTION passed.
PUBLIC INPUT
None
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT
Vicki distributed a handout WISCONSIN WORKS (W-2) OVERVIEW.
CONTINUATION OF DISCUSSION TO EDUCATE COMMUNITY AND BUSINESSES OF W2 COMMITTEE’S ROLE - ALL
Discussed concern regarding the population needing W2 assistance but the fact that they are not aware of the services available. Since this is the 10th anniversary of the W2 Program, the committee agreed that a media success story or a series of articles in the paper would be a good start to educate the community. Nancy Wagner suggested contacting Autumn Grooms as a possible contact/resource at the Tribune. Committee also questioned whether the State was doing anything to commemorate the 10th anniversary of W2.
Tom will check with the W2 case workers regarding a possible success story.
Ed Ryan explained more about the benefits to employers (tax credit) and the need to get them more information regarding WOTC. Ed brought the forms that the employers need to complete to give the committee an idea of what is involved. There is a web site to access the forms.
OTHER BUSINESS
None
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK REPORT
Ed Ryan distributed handouts reflecting figures through December 31, 2007. The first handout showed how La Crosse County unemployment rate compares to other counties in the State. La Crosse County has gone from 3.9% to 3.8%, ranking 9th in the state. Compared to other Wisconsin cities, La Crosse ranks 19th—the higher the number the better. Unadjusted unemployment rate in the metropolitan statistical area (including La Crosse County, WI and Houston County, MN) is 4.1% compared to 3.9% a month ago; La Crosse in 5th place. The breakdown of the unemployment rate from January 2007 is 4.7% to December 2007 3.8%. Five (5) out of the last 6 months have been under 4%. There has not been much change in the actual job categories. Job order count out of the La Crosse office for January 2008 is 300.
BADGERCARE PLUS UPDATE
Tom Miller explained that BadgerCare Plus combines all family medicaid programs (Badger Care, Healthy Start, etc.) under one program. The new program increases eligibility. Any child without health coverage is eligible. There are no income limits for a child without access to insurance. There could be premium payments. BadgerCare Plus opened the door for more self-employed individuals. There are two different plans: 1) Standard – similar to the old MA program and 2) Benchmark Plan – limited coverage and higher co-pays. Benchmark Plan is more for the higher income individuals and these people could get medical bills. BadgerCare Plus allows families with “joint custody” situations to cover both parents. Cases where there is a caretaker allows for the caretaker along with both parents to get coverage. With BadgerCare Plus all income is verified. A child in foster care is not off the program until 21 years of age.
Vicki asked if under the BadgerCare Plus if presumptive eligibility could still be done. Yes, it is “express enrollment”.
AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING
Organizational Updates
Replacement for Lisa Hahn/Festival or Quillin’s Representative
Economic Outlook Report
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 a.m.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at 7:45 a.m. at La Crosse County Human Services, Administrative Conference Room.
The above minutes may be approved, amended, or corrected at the next Committee meeting.
Nancy Gardner, Recorder