Tom Tiffany campaigns in Milwaukee as protesters raise healthcare concerns
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — Republican candidate for governor Tom Tiffany brought his campaign to Milwaukee Thursday night, speaking to supporters inside Kelly's Bleachers as more than 100 protesters gathered outside to criticize his record on healthcare.
Tiffany's campaign listed the Milwaukee stop as part of its "Tavern Talk" series.
About 40 people gathered inside the event, where Tiffany took questions and focused much of his criticism on Democratic gubernatorial nominee and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley.
Tiffany criticized Crowley over Milwaukee County property taxes, the county's inmate tablet program and data centers. The tablet program has recently become an issue in the governor's race after reports that some Milwaukee County Jail inmates used the devices to contact or threaten victims and witnesses.
On affordability, Tiffany said he wants to return part of the state's surplus to taxpayers and lower income tax rates.
Healthcare was a major focus outside the event, where protesters and advocacy groups criticized Tiffany's congressional voting record. An organized rally opposing Tiffany was scheduled outside Kelly's Bleachers ahead of his appearance.
Tiffany voted in favor of the 2025 federal reconciliation law, which made significant changes to Medicaid eligibility, enrollment and financing. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the law's Medicaid provisions will increase the number of people without health insurance by 7.5 million nationally in 2034.
Asked by CBS 58 about voters' concerns over healthcare, Tiffany said he believes Wisconsin can use federal funding more effectively.
"I've been able to procure — help procure the money from the federal government to the state," Tiffany said. "Now I want to be governor so that we can use that money effectively. Choice, competition, transparency. We have to make sure that we're transparent in our healthcare costs. And I think we can deliver a better healthcare program."
Outside, protesters said they are concerned about rising healthcare costs and the possibility of losing coverage.
Dr. Ann Helms, with the Committee to Protect Health Care, said some patients are delaying or forgoing treatment because of cost.
"Healthcare costs are skyrocketing and it is not helpful to Wisconsinites to withhold coverage that we desperately need," Helms said.
Calena Roberts, with Power to the Polls Wisconsin, said she is currently covered by Medicaid but worries about what could happen if she loses that coverage.
"I have my Medicaid, I'm at that age," Roberts said. "But, if people are threatening to take it away from me, I don't know what to do."
Most protesters left shortly after Tiffany arrived.
Tiffany spoke and answered questions for about an hour.