MONROE - The future of the state's SeniorCare program was a top concern among Green County residents who attended a listening session on Thursday with State Sen. Jon Erpenbach at Monroe's Senior Center.
Erpenbach, D-Middleton, said SeniorCare would not be touched by state budget cuts.
"They decided to leave it alone, which is a good thing," Erpenbach said. "There are certain programs that need to stay in place."
Asked if he thought Gov. Scott Walker would veto any state budget bill without reductions or changes to SeniorCare, Erpenbach said the Republican governor would do so at his own peril.
"He doesn't want the wrath of senior organizations to come down on him," Erpenbach said, adding that seniors are very organized and would have plenty of time to rally opposition to legislation cutting programs that so closely impact them.
Erpenbach said that SeniorCare, which provides eligible seniors with prescription drug assistance, helps many and is a must in the state.
"I was extremely upset with the Medicare takeover," Erpenbach said. "I was part of (helping to implement) those programs."
Current proposals to allow concealed carrying of guns in Wisconsin also were a big concern of those attending Thursday's session.
Erpenbach said he has voted against concealed carry legislation, and continues to oppose such measures, which are being pushed by GOP lawmakers.
"They think they have a constitutional right to conceal a gun - I think its a constitutional right to show the gun," Erpenbach said.
But, he said, gun owners that he knows are responsible, and Erpenbach favors additional firearms training and education in the state.
On the topic of transportation, Erpenbach said he was shocked when businesses remained silent when Walker rejected about $810 million in federal funds aimed at building high-speed rail service in Wisconsin.
Eventually, Erpenbach said, such a rail system will come to the state, and it is needed.
"We are going to get it," he said. "Maybe not in my time, but we'll get it."
Erpenbach, D-Middleton, said SeniorCare would not be touched by state budget cuts.
"They decided to leave it alone, which is a good thing," Erpenbach said. "There are certain programs that need to stay in place."
Asked if he thought Gov. Scott Walker would veto any state budget bill without reductions or changes to SeniorCare, Erpenbach said the Republican governor would do so at his own peril.
"He doesn't want the wrath of senior organizations to come down on him," Erpenbach said, adding that seniors are very organized and would have plenty of time to rally opposition to legislation cutting programs that so closely impact them.
Erpenbach said that SeniorCare, which provides eligible seniors with prescription drug assistance, helps many and is a must in the state.
"I was extremely upset with the Medicare takeover," Erpenbach said. "I was part of (helping to implement) those programs."
Current proposals to allow concealed carrying of guns in Wisconsin also were a big concern of those attending Thursday's session.
Erpenbach said he has voted against concealed carry legislation, and continues to oppose such measures, which are being pushed by GOP lawmakers.
"They think they have a constitutional right to conceal a gun - I think its a constitutional right to show the gun," Erpenbach said.
But, he said, gun owners that he knows are responsible, and Erpenbach favors additional firearms training and education in the state.
On the topic of transportation, Erpenbach said he was shocked when businesses remained silent when Walker rejected about $810 million in federal funds aimed at building high-speed rail service in Wisconsin.
Eventually, Erpenbach said, such a rail system will come to the state, and it is needed.
"We are going to get it," he said. "Maybe not in my time, but we'll get it."