Rep. Francesca Hong

Maddy summaryAB 97 extends health coverage under Wisconsin's Medicaid program (Medical Assistance) for postpartum women from 60 days to 365 days after pregnancy, directly affecting pregnant and postpartum women who qualify for the program. The bill changes eligibility rules to ensure coverage continues without regard to income changes during this extended period. It also adds a provision allowing women with family incomes above 300% of the poverty line to qualify if their income is spent on medical care or health insurance premiums. This policy update aims to provide longer-term health coverage for new mothers during a critical postpartum period.

Maddy summaryAB 462 requires construction contractors to register with the state and comply with worker classification laws, directly affecting employers in the construction industry. It creates a whistleblower program offering 15-30% of penalties collected (up to 10% for media-sourced tips) to employees who report misclassification or tax violations, while prohibiting retaliation against reporting workers. The bill also mandates multilingual outreach to educate employers and workers about misclassification rights and anonymous reporting options. These provisions aim to increase compliance with worker classification and tax laws in the construction sector.

Maddy summaryAB 578 ensures Wisconsin continues providing WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) food benefits during federal government shutdowns. It requires the state to fund these benefits at pre-shutdown levels until federal funding is restored under federal law. The bill directly affects WIC participants - mothers, infants, and young children - who rely on these nutrition services. It creates a state funding mechanism to prevent benefit disruptions during federal funding lapses, such as the October 2025 shutdown referenced in the bill. The policy change takes effect immediately but includes a repeal provision for October 2026.

Maddy summaryAB 508 repeals two sections of state law (108.04 (2) (h) and 108.04 (12) (f)) that previously prevented Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients from receiving unemployment insurance benefits at the same time. This bill directly affects individuals who qualify for SSDI but are currently unemployed and seeking unemployment benefits. The key provision removes the legal barrier forcing these individuals to choose between disability and unemployment benefits. The change would allow them to receive both types of benefits simultaneously, effective for weeks of unemployment beginning after the bill's publication.

Maddy summaryAJR 48 is a ceremonial resolution designating May 14 annually as Hmong-Lao Veterans Day in Wisconsin. It honors Hmong-Lao veterans who served alongside U.S. forces during the Vietnam War, particularly those recruited by the CIA and U.S. military, and recognizes their post-war displacement and resettlement in Wisconsin. The resolution builds on 2021 Wisconsin Act 31, which already established May 14 as a day to thank these veterans, and encourages schools to include their service in Vietnam War education. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding policy changes and serves solely to recognize their contributions.

Maddy summaryAJR 18 is a joint resolution from the Wisconsin Legislature that honors the life and public service of the late Representative Jonathan Brostoff. The resolution extends condolences to his family and friends, recognizing his dedication as a public servant and community advocate.

Maddy summaryAssembly Resolution 3 observes February 28, 2025, as Rare Disease Day in Wisconsin. This resolution acknowledges the impact of rare diseases on approximately 25 to 30 million Americans, including Wisconsin residents, and supports nationwide efforts to raise awareness for these conditions.

Maddy summaryAJR 5 is a symbolic joint resolution directing the Governor of Wisconsin to proclaim February 2025 as Black History Month. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or programs; it is a ceremonial recognition of the significance of Black History Month. The resolution cites historical context and highlights contributions of Wisconsin residents of African descent, but its sole effect is to formally request the Governor issue the proclamation. This is a procedural resolution with no policy impact beyond the symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a violence prevention grant program funded by taxes on vapor products. The money would be distributed to local health departments and tribal health centers, which could then award grants to organizations for violence prevention initiatives. A key provision explicitly prohibits these health entities from giving the funds to law enforcement agencies or any groups working through them. The legislation also authorizes an additional $150,000 in state funding to support the administrative staff needed to manage this grant program.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a $25 million fund to provide financial assistance to businesses in Wisconsin that want to open new locations or expand into vacant commercial spaces. The program allows the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to award grants to eligible for-profit businesses, while explicitly excluding nonprofit organizations from receiving funding. Eligibility rules for the grants are designed to be similar to those used in a previous 2023 initiative, giving the corporation flexibility to set specific application procedures. Although the bill was introduced to support local commerce recovery, it ultimately failed to pass during the 2024 legislative session.