News & Events

Gov. Evers, Insurance Commissioner Houdek Encourage Wisconsinites to Sign Up for Healthcare Coverage During Open Enrollment Period

Wisconsinites statewide can sign up for affordable, high-quality health insurance from Nov. 1, 2024, to Jan. 15, 2025

The average person who qualified saved more than $570 on their monthly premiums last year

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers, together with Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) Commissioner Nathan Houdek, today celebrated the upcoming launch of the 12th annual ‘Open Enrollment’ period on Fri., Nov. 1, 2024, and urged Wisconsin residents to sign up for high-quality, affordable healthcare coverage through Healthcare.gov. During the last Open Enrollment Period, a record-setting 254,482 Wisconsinites signed up for health insurance on the individual marketplace. Gov. Evers today also underscored the importance of retaining the Affordable Care Act to ensure millions of Wisconsinites and Americans can maintain access to healthcare coverage. “For more than a decade, the Affordable Care Act has been a game changer for millions of Wisconsin families, ensuring folks have access to affordable healthcare, including 2.4 million Wisconsinites like me with pre-existing conditions. Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration and our Senator Tammy Baldwin, coverage is more affordable than ever before,” said Gov Evers. “I encourage Wisconsinites to explore their options and get covered, and together, we’ll build a healthier, stronger Wisconsin for everybody.” Since it was signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2010, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been transformational for folks and families across the state and country, providing healthcare coverage to millions of Wisconsin families and ensuring folks can access health insurance without lifetime limits and protecting the coverage of more than 100 million Americans—including 2.4 million Wisconsinites—who have pre-existing conditions. Another key provision of the ACA, authored by U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin), allows young people to stay on their parents’ insurance until the age of 26. “After battling a serious childhood illness, insurance companies refused to cover me because of my ‘pre-existing condition,’ and I saw firsthand the power and greed of our healthcare industry,” said Sen. Baldwin. “I took my personal story and turned it into action to pass the Affordable Care Act—protecting people with pre-existing conditions, lowering costs, and expanding care for working families. As we mark the start of open enrollment this year, I encourage every Wisconsinite to visit HealthCare.gov and explore their options to get quality health care.” Since its creation, the ACA has also saved Wisconsinites and Americans millions in healthcare costs. Thanks to the efforts of the Biden-Harris Administration and Sen. Baldwin, coverage today is more affordable than ever. Bolstered by the American Rescue Plan Act and extended by the Inflation Reduction Act, last year, the majority of Wisconsinites who enrolled in health insurance on HealthCare.gov qualified for cost savings, with the average person saving $573.11 on their monthly insurance premiums. “Talk to a licensed agent, broker, or health insurance navigator to find a high-quality health insurance plan that covers doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital stays, and more,” said OCI Commissioner Houdek. “Consumers in nearly every county in the state can choose from at least three insurers, and most Wisconsinites qualify for reduced monthly premiums.” Additionally, the ACA and its related regulations were groundbreaking in ensuring access to birth control and contraception care, as most plans are required to cover these services with no out-of-pocket costs for consumers. Further, earlier this month, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris proposed a rule that would significantly expand coverage of contraception with no out-of-pocket costs for millions of Americans under the ACA, including over-the-counter contraception without a prescription. If approved, according to the White House, this would be the most significant expansion of contraception coverage under the ACA since 2012. Open Enrollment began Nov. 1, 2024, and will continue through Jan. 15, 2025. During this time, eligible Wisconsinites can enroll in one of the health plans available on the individual health insurance marketplace. Those who already have insurance through the marketplace can also renew, update, or upgrade their health plans during this period. Wisconsin has one of the most competitive individualhealth insurance markets in the nation, with 15 insurers participating for plan year 2025. An interactive map of health insurers available by county can be found here. Gov. Evers has long been committed to ensuring every Wisconsinite has access to quality, affordable healthcare. In 2019, the governor delivered on his promise to withdraw the state of Wisconsin from a Republican-led lawsuit that would have gutted the ACA, kicked thousands of Wisconsinites off their healthcare, and put 2.4 million Wisconsinites who have a pre-existing condition at risk. Gov. Evers also launched the DHS OCI Health Care Coverage Partnership in 2019 to improve coordination around outreach and education, increase enrollment and health insurance literacy, and improve enrollment retention. In 2020, this partnership launched WisCovered.com as an accessible resource for consumers looking for information about health coverage. Services are available in English, Spanish, and Hmong. The ACA has also given Wisconsin the flexibility to operate the successful Wisconsin Healthcare Stability Plan (WIHSP). WIHSP was created by 2017 Wisconsin Act 138, a bipartisan bill signed into law in 2018 and implemented under Gov. Evers. WIHSP has helped keep health insurance rates low while increasing choice for consumers every year it has been in operation. Due to support from Gov. Evers and the Wisconsin State Legislature, WIHSP has been fully funded in each of the last three state biennial budgets. This program was recently extended through Dec. 31, 2028. In 2022, health insurance rates were 14.5 percent lower, and in 2023, rates were 13.7 percent lower than they would have been without WIHSP. Rates on HealthCare.gov would have increased by 19.5 percent for the 2025 plan year, based on a weighted average. Thanks to WIHSP, rates on the individual health insurance market in Wisconsin will instead increase by a weighted average of 8.2 percent for the 2025 plan year. Wisconsinites can explore their coverage options at any time at Healthcare.gov. To get connected to free, expert help and explore cost-saving options, Wisconsinites are encouraged to visit WisCovered.com

The City of Whitewater – Department of Public Works will collect leaf and yard waste during the remaining dates with no appointment needed.

Residents may place their bagged yard waste on the curb no earlier than Saturday, November 16, for collection during the week of:

• November 18 – November 22, 2024
  
  However, all bags must be brought to the curb for final collection by Wednesday, November 20. Bio-Bags left outside in the elements during the winter months will NOT be collected during the spring collection.
  
  *Dates may be subject to change in the event we experience accumulating snow during this time.
  
  For residents who miss the collection deadline of November 22, a dumpster will be available at the City garage (150 E. Starin Rd.) between November 25 – December 6, 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. *Please note the facility will be closed on Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29. Spring collection will be dependent on weather conditions.
  
  Yard waste is defined as leaves, weeds, grass clippings, and yard and garden debris. Yard waste must be bagged in 33 gallon or smaller biodegradable, clear, or transparent bags only. Yard waste will not be collected if not properly bagged or placed in non-transparent or black bags. The City’s supply of free Bio-Bags has been exhausted.
  
  Residents may also use the compost site to dispose of leaf and yard waste. The compost site is open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. The compost site will close for the season at 6:00 p.m., on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.
  
  Residents requesting brush collection should call 473-0560 or visit this page to make an appointment for pick up on Tuesdays. Requests must be made by 12:00 p.m. on the Monday before Tuesday’s brush collection.
  
  NOTICE: City Ordinance Chapter 12.08 – Street Obstructions, Section: 12.08.010 – Residents are prohibited from depositing any yard waste debris on right of ways other than City of Whitewater designated days.
  
  Brad Marquardt
  Director of Public Works
  262-473-0139
  bmarquardt@whitewater-wi.gov

The Whitewater Unified School District’s Community ESL Program has received the Wisconsin Policy Forum’s 2024 Salute to Local Government award for its efforts in advancing racial equity. The program, launched in 1997, offers English language learners opportunities to enhance their reading, writing, and communication skills. Under the leadership of Jorge Islas-Martinez and Melania Argueta Borchert, the program has grown to help students work toward U.S. citizenship, improve computer literacy, and access important local resources.

“We are deeply humbled by this recognition and proud to receive the award on behalf of our community,” said Islas-Martinez. “Our goal has always been to create a welcoming environment that allows our adult students to grow, thrive, and reach their fullest potential. This achievement has been built over 25 years, with generations of families impacted. It’s something for us all to be proud of and celebrate.”

“I am proud of the work our program is doing to advance ALL the members of our community. We are lucky to have the staff of the Community ESL Program that is committed to our learners and advancing them in the English language,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent. The annual Salute to Local Government awards ceremony was held Wednesday, November 13, at the Italian Conference Center in downtown Milwaukee. Representatives from the Whitewater Adult ESL Program attended the event alongside other award recipients who were recognized for their contributions to Wisconsin’s communities.

The Community ESL Program is financially supported by the Whitewater Unified School District, with additional contributions from local civic groups and churches, and childcare funded by the United Way. For more information, please visit www.wwusd.org/page/adult-esl-program.

Gov. Evers and First Lady Invite Military Families to Share Ornaments for 2024 Tribute to Our Troops Tree at Executive Residence

Gov. Tony Evers and First Lady Kathy Evers invite the public to contribute ornaments for this year’s “Tribute to Our Troops” holiday tree at the Executive Residence. “The ‘Tribute to Our Troops’ tree is a tradition Kathy and I have been glad to continue these last six years as part of our annual holiday celebrations at the Wisconsin Executive Residence,” said Gov. Evers. “Especially over the holiday season, we should honor the incredible contributions of our state’s veteran and military communities, and thanks to the creativity and care of the folks and families who send in an ornament honoring their loved ones and military heroes, I know that this year will be another success.” The Tribute to Our Troops Tree tradition began in 2005 and honors Wisconsin service members who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Ornaments can be sent in honor of Wisconsin service members, past and present, in Wisconsin and abroad. The invitation is open to families of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guard members. All ornaments are welcome and can be personalized to honor fallen service members, those who are deployed overseas this holiday season, and all who wear the uniforms of the nation’s armed forces. Please note that ornaments will not be returned to senders.    To be included as part of this year’s “Tribute to Our Troops” tree, ornaments must be received no later than Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at:   SFC Liam Walsh 6001 Manufacturers Dr. Madison, WI 53704 The ornaments will be displayed at the Executive Residence throughout the month of December. The ornaments and the “Tribute to Our Troops” tree can be viewed as part of the residence’s holiday tours. As space is limited, individuals interested in a tour must pre-register to attend. More information is available on the Wisconsin Executive Residence website here. Residence tours will be available during the following dates and times:  Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.   Tuesday, Dec. 10, 12 p.m.-2 p.m.  Thursday, Dec. 12, 12 p.m.-2 p.m.  Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.  Tuesday, Dec. 17, 12 p.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, 12 p.m.-2 p.m.

Gov. Evers Order Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Former State Rep. Fred Kessler

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #243 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Sat., Nov. 16, 2024, in honor of former Wisconsin State Rep. Fred Kessler, who passed away on Tues., Nov. 12, 2024, at the age of 84. “Having dutifully served the Milwaukee community both on the bench and in the Legislature, Rep. Kessler led a long, distinguished career of public service, and he was a tireless advocate for the people he served,” said Gov. Evers. “His legacy will live on through his countless accomplishments on behalf of the Milwaukee community, and Kathy and I extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, community members, and all those who knew and worked alongside him in mourning this loss.” Former Rep. Kessler was born in Milwaukee and received both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 1960, he was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly as the youngest person to serve in the Wisconsin State Legislature at that time and represented the 10th Milwaukee Assembly District from 1961 to 1963 and 1965 to 1972, and later the 12th Assembly District from 2005 to 2019. Former Rep. Kessler also served as a Milwaukee County Judge from 1972 to 1978 and a Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge from 1978 to 1981 and 1986 to 1988. During his 12 terms in office, former Rep. Kessler was a dedicated public servant and advocate on behalf of the people he served, working on legislation related to public education, civil liberties, fair housing, LGBTQ rights, freedom of speech, personal privacy, and redistricting reforms. In addition to his years of public service as an elected official, former Rep. Kessler was active in the Milwaukee community, serving civil and human rights groups, including as president of the Milwaukee ACLU Chapter and chairman of Amnesty International Group 107, and German language and heritage groups, including as president of Goethe House. Services for former Rep. Kessler will be held on Sat., Nov. 16, 2024, in Milwaukee.

Whitewater High School Class of 1961 Partners with Whitewater Arts Alliance to Launch Fundraiser for 2025 Paint Wisconsin-Marilyn Fuerstenberg Legacy during annual 2024 Members’ Exhibition

Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA), in partnership with the Whitewater Senior High Class of 1961 is proud to announce the launch of the Paint Wisconsin-Marilyn Fuerstenberg Legacy Campaign. This special fundraiser will help sustain and support Paint Wisconsin, a new annual art exhibition beginning in August 2025. Paint Wisconsin will showcase the creativity and beauty of Wisconsin through works of art that capture the state’s unique aesthetics, landscapes, and life.

The goal of the Paint Wisconsin – Marilyn Fuerstenberg Legacy Campaign is to ensure the longevity of the annual Paint Wisconsin exhibition while also supporting the Whitewater Arts Alliance’s educational and children’s art programs. Friends and community members are invited to support this initiative.  

Anyone who contributes to the Paint Wisconsin – Marilyn Fuerstenberg Legacy Campaign between November 3 and December 20, during the Annual Members Show, will be entered into a drawing for one of two Marilyn Fuerstenberg’s original watercolor paintings. Additionally, attendees of the Annual Members Show who purchase a raffle ticket, will have a chance to win one of three original paintings by Tom Jewell, a recognized regional artist, Class of 1961 alum, and close friend of Marilyn. There will be separate winners for each drawing. The winners will be announced following the 2024 WAA Members’ Show, which runs from November 1 to December 20, 2024.

Marilyn Fuerstenberg, a founding member of the WAA and proud Class of 1961 alumna, was known for her passion for the arts and her dedication to fostering creativity and community spirit. By supporting WAA and the Paint Wisconsin exhibit, donors honor Marilyn’s legacy, helping to inspire art and creativity in Whitewater and beyond.

How to Get Involved

Donations are essential for this campaign’s success, and contributions of all sizes are welcomed. Donations can be made via check or online through the Whitewater Arts Alliance website.

• Gifts by Check: Make payable to Whitewater Arts Alliance and mail to PO Box 311, Whitewater, WI 53190, or drop off in person at the Cultural Arts Center Gallery, 402 W. Main Street, Whitewater, WI, during posted gallery hours. Please note “Marilyn Fuerstenberg Legacy Campaign” on the check.
• Online Donations: Gifts by credit card, debit card, or PayPal can be made on the WAA website at: whitewaterarts.org/marilyn-fuerstenberg-legacy

With the community’s support, the Whitewater Arts Alliance can bring Marilyn Fuerstenberg’s vision to life, celebrating the arts and creating a lasting legacy in our community.

For more information, please visit whitewaterarts.org or contact:
Kim Adams, Gallery Director, Whitewater Arts Alliance
Phone: 608-201-2151
Email:wwartsalliance@gmail.com

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by Whitewater Arts Alliance. Artwork by Marilyn Fuerstenberg is from the Wisconsin Watercolor Society website.