back FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  CONTACT: August 18, 2004 Kate Dwyer: 202-226-7326 Ryan, Barrett to Hold News Conference on GAO Investigation of Area Health Care Costs   Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Wisconsin’s First District Congressman Paul Ryan have announced they will hold a news conference at 10:00am on Monday, August 23 at City Hall regarding the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO’s) interim findings about why Milwaukee health care spending and prices are higher than many other areas of the United States.  Over two years ago, Congressmen Ryan and Barrett – who was serving in the U.S. House of Representatives at the time – asked the GAO to investigate why health care costs are higher in certain areas such as Milwaukee than in comparable cities and markets.  The GAO will make the interim report in response to this inquiry available to the public on Monday. Ryan and Barrett will spotlight the key findings of the analysis at their news conference.    WHO:  U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan (R., Janesville)  Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett  WHEN: Monday, August 23  10:00 am  WHERE: Milwaukee City Hall, Rotunda  200 E. Wells St. Milwaukee, WI                   back