Rural Hero: Wisconsin Senator Honored for Saving Small-Town Hospitals

State Sen. Romaine Quinn has been named the Wisconsin Hospital Association’s 2025 Health Care Advocate of the Year, recognized for his steadfast commitment to policies that support hospitals and patients across the state, particularly in rural communities.

Courtesy of Washington Hospital Association

The award was presented during WHA’s annual Advocacy Day on April 9, where more than 1,200 hospital and health system advocates gathered at the Capitol. Spooner Health President and CEO Mike Schafer, a WHA Board member and constituent of Quinn’s, delivered the honor, highlighting the senator’s consistent support in moments of legislative pressure.

“A lawmaker’s support for hospitals is best demonstrated in moments when they’re under pressure to do something that could negatively impact us — and they choose to stand with hospitals,” said Schafer. “Senator Quinn is a consistent, influential voice for the health care needs of rural communities.”

Quinn, who has served in public office since he was 19, now represents a Senate district that includes eight Critical Access Hospitals. Since his 2022 election to the Senate and his 2024 appointment to the powerful Joint Finance Committee, Quinn has played a key role in shaping budget priorities that enhance health care access and workforce development.

He has championed expanded investment in Wisconsin’s Graduate Medical Education (GME) program, helping secure more than $100 million in public-private funding to create 70 new training opportunities through 144 grants. Quinn has also backed legislation to streamline hospital discharge processes and advocated for higher Medicaid reimbursement rates for hospitals statewide.

“I’m honored to receive this award and proud to support the hospitals that serve our communities,” Quinn said. “Health care is a pillar of rural Wisconsin’s strength, and I’ll continue working to ensure our hospitals have the tools and resources they need.”

The Health Care Advocate of the Year Award is given annually to a legislator who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in advancing health care policy. WHA’s Advocacy Day continues to be a key forum for connecting hospital leaders with state policymakers on the issues that matter most to Wisconsin communities.