Hearing Tuesday in Madison on pre-existing conditions bill

MADISON, Wis.  (CBS 58) -- State legislators are set to begin the new session this week, starting with one of the top issues for voters: health care. 

A public hearing will be held at the capitol Tuesday afternoon on Assembly Bill 1. The bill aims to guarantee protections for pre-existing conditions for people in Wisconsin, but it has a long way to go before reaching Governor Evers' desk. 

During the campaign, Governor Evers said he wanted Wisconsin to withdraw its lawsuit which would pull it out of the Affordable Care Act, saying a state bill wouldn't go far enough to protect those with pre-existing conditions. 

Earlier in January, Evers issued an executive order for state agencies to make recommendations and take action to protect people with pre-existing conditions. Before it reaches Governor Evers, the bill will have to go through the State Senate. A similar bill last year failed to pass the Senate. 

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos says he believes the two chambers can come together to find a compromise. 

"Have we argued with the Senate in the past over policy? Yes, we have. But now we have to remember we're on the same team, we want very, very similar goals. We're arguing over small nuances over what the Senate and Assembly believe. There are big differences with the executive branch. So we have to remember we have to stand united and find ways to work together," said Rep. Robin Vos, (R) Assembly Speaker. 

A spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said that Senate Republicans plan to caucus later in January to set their priorities for this session. The topic of health care and pre-existing conditions is certain to be among the topics discussed.