June 30, 2011

The state is blocking plans by the Milwaukee Health Department and University Health Services in Madison to apply for federal grants that would provide about $27.5 million for health programs designed to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce chronic diseases such as diabetes.

Dennis Smith, secretary of the state Department of Health Services, contends that the programs would duplicate services already being offered in Wisconsin.
“Why are we asking for taxpayers’ money for stuff that we are already doing?” he asked. “How long have people been doing tobacco cessation, for heaven’s sake? This is stuff that goes on all the time.”