Door County Election News: Getting To Know the Candidates

In an effort to give readers a better look at the candidates competing for the right to represent the 1st Assembly District in the State Legislature in Madison, the Pulse will be asking incumbent Representative Garey Bies (R-Sister Bay) and challenger Dick Skare (D-Fish Creek) to respond to a different question in each issue from now until election day, November 4.

If you have a question or topic you would like to see the candidates address, please email it to [email protected], and we may use it in a future issue.

This issue’s question: In what ways have you, or would you, support pay equity and access for family planning and contraceptive services for Wisconsin women?

Garey Bies

Wisconsin is currently facing a number of challenges that affect the economy and families of the 1st Assembly District. The issue of pay equity is best addressed by looking at the central underlying factors: the economy. The health of the economy drives the health of Wisconsin businesses and how those businesses are able to compensate their employees. The best way to make sure Wisconsin workers are getting enough into their pockets, is to make sure that the economy is strong.

Right now, Wisconsin families are focused on maintaining their household budgets. More of their hard-earned income is being forced to pay for higher gas and more expensive groceries. These higher costs are also having an impact on Wisconsin businesses and their ability to grow and increase their workforce. The current economic troubles do not allow businesses to increase wages for their employees.

We need to create an inviting environment where new businesses will want to come to Wisconsin and the existing ones can expand. The struggling national economy has led to the loss of thousands of quality jobs in Wisconsin. We need to create a climate where employers view Wisconsin as a welcoming state for their enterprise. One example of how this can be achieved is by providing tax incentives for businesses to invest in new research and innovation. By encouraging businesses to foster new research and development, even during rough economic times, we can set forth a stronger foundation by allowing them to position themselves for the future. This is an effective strategy to promote higher salaries for ALL Wisconsin workers.

The Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services currently administers a comprehensive family planning program. The program includes services for reproductive health, preconception, contraception, sexually transmitted disease testing and treatment services, pregnancy testing, early pregnancy-related care, and general preventative health examinations. In addition, the Department also administers the family planning waiver program that provides services and supplies to women who are at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level.

As a proud father a four and grandfather of five, my family plays a central role in my life. Like any other parent or grandparent, I understand the obvious role that proper pre-natal care plays not only in the life of the unborn child, but of the mother as well, which is why I have been supportive of measures such as BadgerCare Plus, which provides healthcare for Wisconsin children and pregnant women.

Dick Skare

Dick Skare

Throughout our years in business at the Cookery, my wife Carol and I have supported pay equity for women. It has never been a question that equal pay be given for equal work and that pay be based on task experience, dependability, attitude, a willingness to work in a team atmosphere as well as prevailing wage rates.

Our current 1st Assembly District representative has voted in committee not to bring legislation supporting equal pay for women to the floor of the Assembly. I will support such legislation.

Passing of a comprehensive health care initiative will be a major step in supporting women and families in Wisconsin. A plan which is available to all, affordable, unbiased, transparent and realistic in coverage offered would address the issues critical to making decisions regarding family planning and children’s health.

Decisions regarding health, including family planning and contraceptive services for Wisconsin women, would be reached in private consultation with doctors to determine best outcomes.

The health care plan I envision would support family planning and children’s health therefore having a beneficial affect on our community and do so without creating another layer of government. By expanding the risk pool to include all and supporting those in need or at higher risk we would ultimately save in the cost of health care as well as the social consequences.