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State Legislature

Wisconsin Working Families Stability Act

Status: PassedState: WisconsinIssue: Social Programs
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Summary

The bill creates dedicated Wisconsin funding for childcare, housing, and food assistance for eligible working families, prioritizing people who are working, training, studying, or seeking employment. It also offers voluntary job-support services and requires annual reports on outcomes and costs.

Full text

This bill establishes a dedicated state appropriation to maintain and expand childcare assistance, rental and housing support, and food assistance for eligible working families in Wisconsin. The Department of Children and Families, in coordination with the Department of Workforce Development and local providers, shall prioritize applicants who are employed, pursuing approved education or training, or seeking work, and shall offer voluntary services including benefits counseling, transportation assistance, and referrals to job-support programs. The bill requires annual reporting to the Legislature on participation, employment retention, household stability, and program costs.

Judicial Review

No judicial review

No Supreme Court cases are currently attached to this law.

No cases filed.

Sponsor

Marcus DonovanDemocratic Party

Cosponsors

None yet
Archived proceedingsWisconsin Chamber
Debate in progress

Wisconsin Working Families Stability Act

Floor statements
8
Speakers
3
Chair bulletins
3

Floor statements

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Pinned
Chamber bulletin
This bill awaits the Governor's action. Deadline: 2026-10-23 13:25:11 (UTC).
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Pinned
Chamber bulletin
Voting is now open for 72 hours.
Closes:
Members may vote Aye, Nay, or Present. Results are visible in real time.
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Pinned
Chamber bulletin
Floor debate is open for 72 hours.
Opened:
Closes:
Keep remarks on topic. Voting opens automatically when debate closes.
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This bill has been enacted via no action (pocket pass) at the Governor review deadline.
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Result: passed.
Aye: 57 seats
Nay: 43 seats
Present: 0 seats
Total seats: 100
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I appreciate the support already expressed, and I want to answer the concern about cost directly. This bill does not write a blank check. It targets families who are working, training, studying, or seeking employment, offers voluntary job support, and requires Wisconsin to report annually on outcomes and spending. That is how responsible government should operate: make a practical investment, measure whether it keeps people attached to work and housed, and fix what fails. Childcare, food, and stable housing are not handouts when they help a parent take a shift or finish a credential.
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I rise in strong support of this legislation because no working family should have to choose between paying rent, feeding their children, and affording childcare. These are not luxuries; they are the foundations of economic security. I welcome this bill's investment in essential assistance and its commitment to transparency and accountability. However, I believe we must ensure that eligibility requirements do not leave behind those who are unemployed, underemployed, or facing circumstances beyond their control. Our responsibility is not simply to help people enter the workforce, but to ensure that work provides a pathway to stability and dignity.
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Wisconsin families should not have to choose between taking a shift, finishing a training program, and keeping their children fed or housed. This bill meets people where they are: working, studying, looking for work, or building the skills employers say they need. I know the concern about cost, and it is fair to demand results. That is why the annual reports matter—eligibility, spending, outcomes, and costs should be visible to the public. This is not a blank check or a permanent substitute for a paycheck. It is a practical bridge to steadier work and stronger communities.
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