Policy Agenda & Progress
State Budget RequestWe are calling for significant state investments into child care and optimal child health and well-being in Wisconsin’s 2023-25 biennial budget. It is essential policymakers commit to Raising Wisconsin’s recommendations as central budget priorities to support young children and their families, early childhood professionals and programs, and social and emotional well-being.
CHILD CARE INVESTMENT
We call for $300 million to continue Child Care Counts. Child Care Counts remains essential for Wisconsin early childhood care and education programs, and, by extension, is critical for families, early childhood educators, businesses, and the economy.
WHAT IS THE FISCAL CLIFF?
Wisconsin has received more than $800 million in COVID-relief funding since the start of the pandemic to support early care and education, including significant funding for Child Care Counts. Therefore, January 2024 will mark the start of a damaging cliff if policymakers do not allocate state funding for continuity in support of child care.
HEALTH AND WELL-BEING INVESTMENTS
We call for $8.79 million for children’s mental health, $10 million for the expansion of the Family Foundations Home Visiting Program, and extending Medicaid coverage in the postpartum period so individuals can maintain coverage for 12 months after birth of an infant.
STATE BUDGET PROCESS
Wisconsin’s biennial budget development process began in September and continues when the governor announces the executive budget. From there, public hearings are held, and the Joint Finance Committee subsequently votes on the budget, which is enacted in July 2023.