Thompson

By Julie M. Miller
Catholic Herald

Thompson's cabinet appointment gets mixed reaction

SUPERIOR -- After 14 years as the governor of Wisconsin, Tommy Thompson will be heading to the nation's capital as President-elect George W. Bush's choice for secretary of health and human services. Until confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Thompson is expected to divide his time between Madison and Washington, D.C.

Catholic reaction to the appointment is generally positive, with some reservations. During his time as governor, Thompson has taken positions on many issues important to Catholics, including abortion and school choice. Wisconsin Catholics are waiting to see what impact his move to Washington will have on legislation in Wisconsin and what influence he will have on these issues on the national level.

As head of health and human services (HHS), Thompson will oversee programs dealing with health, welfare and income security. Head Start, Medicare, Medicaid, services for the elderly and assistance to needy families are all included. The Food and Drug Administration, the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are all part of HHS.

Thompson has described himself as a pro-life governor. John A. Huebscher, executive director of the Wisconsin Catholic Conference, said Thompson's strong anti-abortion views are important. "I think certainly within the department he's going to be in a position to influence policies on abortion and family life."

Peggy Hamill, state director of Pro-Life Wisconsin, a statewide educational and legislative organization, was less positive about Thompson's nomination.

"We're concerned about Bush's selection of Thompson," said Hamill. "While the president-elect could have chosen someone much worse, we've never viewed Tommy as a strong pro-lifer."

Huebscher sees one big pro-life question mark. As HHS secretary, Thompson would be in charge of the National Institutes of Health, which sets guidelines for medical research. In the past Thompson has supported research using stem cells from human embryos.

"Even though he is pro-life, (Thompson) has shown a willingness to let research on fetal tissue go forward. He will need to evaluate if this is the right thing to do," said Huebscher. "He's going to be in a key position and will certainly have some impact on what happens," said Huebscher.

Thompson has been hailed for the Wisconsin Works (W-2) welfare reform program he implemented. Huebscher sees that as an area in which Thompson can use his experience in Wisconsin to play a key role in federal welfare policies.

"Many conservatives are going to point to the lower case loads and say we don't need as much money (in welfare programs). The principles of W-2 said you had to spend more money to keep people on the road to self-sufficiency," Huebscher said, citing child care, medical care, transportation and affordable housing as continuing problems for low income families after they are off welfare.

Some of these issues, such as housing, will not be part of Thompson's job at HHS, but Huebscher said Thompson can send a message. "He certainly has the potential to have an influence on domestic policy beyond his job description. ... Every cabinet has three or four heavyweights (each) with influence beyond his department. (Thompson) certainly has the potential to be one of these."

School choice is another issue on which Thompson could use his influence beyond HHS, Huebscher said. During his first term as governor, Thompson began a school voucher program that allowed Milwaukee parents to choose private or religious schools for their children. The program has since been expanded and has survived challenges in court.

Huebscher also hopes that Thompson will find ways to continue supporting good working relationships between faith-based institutions and government. In his speech accepting his cabinet nomination, Thompson mentioned the importance of these partnerships to reduce poverty or solve societal issues.

When Thompson resigns as governor, Lt. Gov. Scott McCallum will take over until the end of Thompson's term in 2002. McCallum has served with Thompson for 14 years and shares many of Thompson's ideas, but it is not yet known what changes he will make as governor.

Huebscher said, "McCallum will be cautious and for the most part will try to continue what Thompson has done and not deviate too far from his policies."

One issue Huebscher thinks McCallum will address is gambling. "He might be less willing than Thompson to extend gambling to taverns. He is not eager to see more gambling." In connection with a 1993 referendum, Wisconsin's Catholic bishops came out with a statement opposing increases in gambling.

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