Wisconsin Sen. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) and Rep. Travis Tranel (R-Cuba City) recently visited the Southwest Health Eye Center in Platteville, WI. Their tour of the Eye Center was part of the Wisconsin Academy of Ophthalmology (WAO) Capitol Connection program aimed at connecting ophthalmologists with their local state legislators to show them firsthand the importance of ophthalmology and medical eye care for Wisconsin patients.
“We were excited to host Sen. Marklein and Rep. Tranel and appreciated the opportunity to showcase our cutting-edge eye center and illustrate how we deliver critical eye care to the community,” said Dr. Chris Pruet, a Southwest Health ophthalmologist and WAO Immediate Past President. “Our team was grateful for our lawmakers’ interest in the practice of ophthalmology, the wide range of medical and surgical services we offer, and the hard work put in by the Southwest Eye Center staff to provide top-notch patient eye care.”
Marklein, who was first elected to the Wisconsin Senate in 2014, represents the 17th Senate District, which covers large portions of southwest Wisconsin, including Grant County and the City of Platteville. He currently serves as Co-Chair of the Legislature’s powerful Joint Fonance Committee. Tranel was first elected to the Assembly in 2010 and represents the 49th Assembly District, which includes Grant County and portions of Richland County. He chairs the Assembly Tourism Committee.
In WAO’s ongoing effort to raise the profile of ophthalmology and our organization in the State Capitol, the Capitol Connection program was established to encourage WAO members to invite their local legislators to visit their clinics and facilities. The goal is to build working relationships with legislators and offer them a unique opportunity to learn about the importance of ophthalmology and medical eye care. Hosting a legislator at your site is also easy, enjoyable, and can make a significant advocacy impact.
If you would like to host a legislative tour at your site, please contact the WAO office at wao@badgerbay.co. We will work with you and your legislators to coordinate the meetings and will provide participating members with full support, including legislator bios, advocacy tips, issue briefings, and supporting documents.
