Gov. Evers supports bipartisan pro-vaccination bill designed 'to keep everybody safe'

MADISON — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers says he supports a bipartisan bill in the state Legislature designed to increase the number of children who get required vaccinations.

The bill introduced Tuesday removes a personal conviction exemption that allows parents to opt their children out of getting the required vaccinations. It comes as the nation grapples with the highest number of measles cases in decades.

Evers calls it a critical issue and says, "We just have to understand there are some requirements the state must have to keep everybody safe."

The bill was introduced by Assembly Democratic Minority Leader Gordon Hintz. He says the bill is needed because of Wisconsin's liberal opt-out policy on vaccinations that's been used by more than 5 percent of children, more than double the national average. Twenty years ago only 1 percent opted out.