We presented a Commendation from WI Gov. Evers to ABC for Rural Health’s Mike Rust for identifying the inequitable statewide policy of birth cost recovery over 30 years ago. Without Mike’s early advocacy, recent victories in Dane & Milwaukee Counties would not have been possible. #StopTheBirthTax

#BirthTaxTuesday: Who's still collecting? After Milwaukee and Dane Counties stopped collections, Racine Co. is now the most aggressive collector. Why #Stopthebirthtax? The policy impacts black and indigenous families more than white families.

#BirthTaxThursday: Why #StopTheBirthTax? Policies can negatively impact families: financial strain; discourage prenatal care; deter father's involvement; disproportionately impact minority communities; & impact health outcomes.

#BirthTaxThursday: Why #StopTheBirthTax? Unmarried pregnant women on Medicaid in WI are required to cooperate with county child support agencies by providing information to help establish paternity (to start collections) or risk losing their Medicaid.

#BirthTaxTuesday: Why #StopTheBirthTax? Preliminary research findings are that child support compliance increased for black families when the birth tax was eliminated: www.irp.wisc.edu/resource/eff...