Take Action
We need YOUR help in advocating for EMS in Wisconsin!
Join the Wisconsin EMS Association in shaping the future of emergency medical services in our state. Through our advocacy efforts, WEMSA works to keep members informed and connected with legislation and policies that impact EMS providers, departments, and the communities they serve. We provide regular updates on key issues, offer guidance on contacting your legislators, and work to support legislation that strengthens EMS systems in Wisconsin.
How You Can Get Involved:
- Current Legislative Priorities: Stay informed about the policy issues WEMSA is actively monitoring and advocating for.
- Find Your Legislator: Learn who represents your district and how to contact them with your concerns.
- Understand the Issues: Get clear summaries and updates on proposed laws and regulations that affect your work and EMS across the state.
Together, we can push for policies that improve EMS services and support the professionals who serve our communities every day. Below is more information on our priorities and talking points!
| Find Your Legislators | Submit Testimony or Comments | |
The Wisconsin Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee (JFC) is holding four public hearings across the state in April to gather input on the 2025–2027 biennial state budget. This is your chance to tell state legislators how funding decisions directly affect EMS services in your community. Whether you are a frontline EMS provider, service director, educator, or concerned citizen, your story can shape policy.
📅 Public Hearing Schedule & Locations
All hearings run from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Arrive early and complete a speaker sign-up form on-site to be added to the testimony queue.
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Wednesday, April 2, 2025 – Kaukauna
Kaukauna High School, Auxiliary Gymnasium (Door AA4)
1701 County Road CE, Kaukauna, WI 54130 -
Friday, April 4, 2025 – West Allis (Milwaukee area)
Wisconsin State Fair Park, Exposition Center (Parking at Gate 4)
640 South 84th Street, West Allis, WI 53214 -
Monday, April 28, 2025 – Hayward (Northwest WI)
Hayward High School Auditorium
10320 Greenwood Lane, Hayward, WI 54843 -
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 – Wausau (Northcentral WI)
Northcentral Technical College – Center for Health Sciences
1000 W. Campus Dr., Wausau, WI 54401
📝 How to Participate at a Hearing
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Sign Up to Speak: Fill out a speaker form when you arrive. You’ll be called in order. Groups from the same agency can sign up together and will receive priority placement.
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Time Limit: You will have 3 minutes to testify. Be concise, specific, and personal—share how budget decisions directly affect your department, staffing, response times, or equipment.
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Bring Support: Consider bringing other staff, volunteers, or community members to demonstrate support for EMS funding. Wear your service logo if possible.
💬 Can’t Attend? Submit Comments Online
If you’re unable to attend in person, you can still make your voice heard in one of two ways:
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Online Comment Portal:
Submit Comments to the Joint Finance Committee -
Email the Committee Directly:
✉️ budget.comments@legis.wisconsin.gov
All comments submitted online or by email will be circulated to the full JFC membership.
📄 Need Help Preparing Testimony?
WEMSA is here to help! We can provide:-
Sample testimony and talking points
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Data and policy briefs
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Customized support to help EMS professionals and department leaders speak with confidence
📧 Contact us at wemsa@wisconsinems.com
📞 Or call (414) 431-8193
Current Legislative Priorities
Bill: LRB-2499 / LRB-2519
Summary:
Reimburses EMS providers and departments for the cost of initial licensure classes and educational materials. Supports technical colleges in continuing to offer EMS training.
Why it Matters:
Many prospective EMS professionals are deterred by the cost of training. Reimbursement breaks down barriers and supports recruitment across the state.
Talking Points:
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EMS workforce shortages are worsening.
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Many communities rely on volunteers who cannot afford training upfront.
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This bill makes it easier to enter the field, helping sustain EMS long-term.
How You Can Help:
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Attend a JFC public hearing (details below)
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Email budget.comments@legis.wisconsin.gov with your support
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Contact your legislator and urge support for LRB-2499
Bill: LRB-0694 / LRB-2497
Summary:
Creates a levy limit exemption for regional EMS systems, allowing municipalities to better fund joint EMS/fire operations without going to referendum.
Why it Matters:
Communities working together to deliver EMS services should not be penalized under current levy rules.
Talking Points:
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Incentivizes efficient, shared EMS services
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Helps small towns and rural areas avoid funding shortfalls
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Keeps EMS sustainable without raising taxes through referendums
How You Can Help:
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Ask your municipal leaders if this could benefit your community
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Share stories of your regional collaboration with WEMSA
Bill: LRB-2473 / LRB-2520
Summary:
Provides reimbursement to EMS agencies when care is provided but no transport occurs—an increasingly common and essential service.
Why it Matters:
EMS teams still use time, equipment, and training to treat people on-scene even if they aren’t transported. Without reimbursement, this becomes an unpaid burden.
Talking Points:
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Current policy discourages treatment in place
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This bill recognizes evolving EMS care models
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Helps stabilize department finances
Summary:
Expands PTSD-related worker’s compensation eligibility to include EMS professionals and volunteer firefighters.
Why it Matters:
Mental health injuries are just as real as physical ones. EMS professionals are exposed to significant trauma and deserve equitable support.
Talking Points:
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Other first responders have this protection—EMS should too
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Volunteer EMS are often overlooked in benefits packages
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This bill shows we value the mental health of EMS professionals
