The federal sequestration is hitting healthcare providers pretty hard. Wisconsin-based Ministry Health Care has announced it will be forced to begin cutting its workforce because of the sequestration cuts, and also the declining demand for treatment by people with high-deductible health insurance plans.

Nick Desien is President and CEO of Ministry.  “We recognize that a decision to reduce the size of our workforce will impact the lives of many of our friends and colleagues. However, it is necessary to continue our mission of providing the highest quality of care to our patients, especially the poor and vulnerable, without a disruption in services,” Desien said in a press release.

Sequestration has resulted in a $10 million annual reduction in payments to Ministry for Medicare services. Ministry Health officials have declined interview requests. The initial press release did not say how many people will be let go, when that will happen, or if it affects certain departments or types of employees first.

Ministry Health Care operates 15 hospitals and 47 clinics, and currently has more than 12,000 associates including 650 physicians and advanced practice clinicians.

WSAU

Legislation to reform the recall process for local elected officials in Wisconsin is being offered by a Republican who believes such efforts have gotten out of hand. “I think recalls are undermining responsible government,” said Forest Junction Republican, Representative Al Ott. “I’m not saying some of them aren’t warranted, by there is the election cycle.”

Right now local elected officials – just like state constitutional officers – can be targeted for recall for any reason. The bill from  Ott would require that they be charged with a crime, or a violation of ethics laws. Ott said it’s in response to a growing pattern of unwarranted recalls. “One of the things that I think is happening over time, with this flippant use of recall, if you will, is really eroding the ability to get people in office.”

Testimony in favor of the bill centered on the costs of special elections for local governments – and the costs of divisiveness which can linger for years. Steven Dickenson, a former teacher in the Osseo-Fairchild schools recalled the impact recalls surrounding the Indian mascot issue had on the schools. “How do you separate yourself from that when the children that come to school are there fighting in the classroom over the issue? It has effects yet today that it’s difficult for folks to talk to one another in that community.”

“There’s a divisiveness in the community,” said Rick Stadelman, executive director with the Wisconsin Towns Association. “These are policy issues are policy issues. Elections raise issues, too. But it’s every two years, it’s part of the political process. But in this case, because it’s typically based on one issue that somebody’s for or against, it’s very divisive.”

Ott’s bill received a public hearing before the Assembly Committee on Campaigns and Elections. This the third time he’s proposed the bill – the first two attempts came well before the controversial statewide recalls against the governor and Republican state Senators. Ott’s legislation (AB 128) does not change the number of signatures required on a recall petition – which is currently set at is 25% of the number of people who voted in the most recent election for governor, within the electoral district of the official being targeted for recall.

After 15-straight wins, Zach Greinke finally lost a game at Miller Park.  It came last night in a 5-2 Brewers win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Mike Fiers earned the win, the first of five relievers to pitch scoreless relief against the Dodgers.

The Brewers chased Greinke from the game in the fifth inning, scoring three times with nobody out.  Ryan Braun singled in a run and Carlos Gomez doubled home two more to put the Brewers up 4-2.

The Dodgers went to the bullpen and the Brewers scored on Yuniesky Betancourt’s infield out.

The series is tied 1-1.  The rubber match is today at 12:10pm at Miller Park.