Americans for Autism Advocacy Slams Wisconsin Governor Evers Veto of the Telehealth Bill

Governor Evers issues a short sighted veto message and denies opportunity to rural Wisconsinites to improve mental health access.

Governor Tony Evers, outside of the public view on March 29th, vetoed Assembly Bill 541  AB 541 which would have allowed out-of-state providers with an active license to provide telehealth services. The bill was overwhelmingly approved by both the Wisconsin State Assembly and Senate in a bipartisan fashion.    

Nothing in Governor Evers veto message fits the logic test as to why he would deny improving mental health access to Wisconsinites.  This includes Wisconsinites who live in rural areas and have a hard time already accessing such critical care.   The author of AB 541 Rep. Nate Gustafson (R-Fox Crossing, 55th District) said in committee testimony that 52 out of 72 counties have shortages of healthcare professionals according to a 2019 survey by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.  

AB 541 would have codified permanently into law the same executive order Governor Evers issued during the COVID-19 pandemic that would allow licensed out of state providers to provide mental health services in Wisconsin.  

The veto of AB 541 by Governor Evers is the definition of absolute hypocrisy. Governor Evers owes an explanation to all Wisconsinites as to why his veto would be beneficial. Americans for Autism Advocacy will work with the Wisconsin Legislature come 2025 to ensure Wisconsinites in every corner of the state can find improved access to mental health services.