RESOLUTION NO: 10681-100306

BY:  ________________________________

A RESOLUTION ADDRESSING AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE IN WISCONSIN

WHEREAS, escalating health insurance costs are a major hardship for the City of Oak Creek residents, businesses and local units of government; and

WHEREAS, in Wisconsin, an estimated 10% or approximately 565,000 people are without health insurance; and

WHEREAS, despite the steep escalation in health insurance costs, the State Legislature, who has the power to remedy the situation, has failed to seriously consider comprehensive healthcare reform; and

WHEREAS, in the opinion of Manitowoc Mayor Kevin Crawford, who is sponsoring a referendum effort, the following advisory referendum question is an effective way to measure whether the citizens of the City of Oak Creek believe that the next session of the State Legislature should take action:

Should the Wisconsin Legislature pass a bill by 2008 that will assure access to quality and affordable healthcare coverage for all Wisconsin individuals and families?

WHEREAS, the Resolution will also be introduced and entertained by the member communities of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities during their October 2006 conference.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Common Council of the City of Oak Creek supports the concept of affordable healthcare to all individuals and families in Wisconsin.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that while the Mayor and Common Council of the City of Oak Creek strongly agrees with, and supports, the goals of Mayor Crawford’s Resolution, the Council believes the resolution question lacks sufficient specificity to deserve serious consideration.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Common Council of the City of Oak Creek opposes the proposed referendum question and recommends encouraging the Legislature to commission a thorough study of the healthcare issues, the industry, the costs associated with statewide healthcare and all related ramifications before supporting legislative action.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be delivered to the Resolution Committee for the League of Wisconsin Municipalities in advance of Wednesday, October 11, 2006 when the matter will be entertained by the membership.

Introduced this 3^rd day of October, 2006.

Passed and adopted this ____ day of ____________________, 2006.

                                                                                                                __________________________________

                                                                                                                President, Common Council

Approved this _____ day of ___________________, 2006.

                                                                                                                __________________________________

                                                                                                                Mayor

ATTEST:

__________________________________

City Clerk                                                                                               Vote:  Ayes ______            Noes ________