Maddy summarySB 1011 expands eligibility for Wisconsin Shares child care subsidies to families with incomes above 200% of the federal poverty line but below 100% of the state median income for their family size. It creates a new eligibility category (via 20.437(2)(ct)) allowing subsidies for individuals who qualify under specific provisions but not under the standard 200% threshold, and adjusts income calculation rules to include certain child support payments. The bill modifies existing income guidelines in statutes to clarify eligibility for families who previously lost subsidies due to modest income increases. It appropriates an additional $1.25 million for fiscal year 2026-27 to fund these expanded subsidies. The changes directly affect low-to-moderate-income families seeking child care assistance in Wisconsin.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 1015 increases the state's earned income tax credit for low-income working families with fewer than three children. It raises the state credit to 34% of the federal basic earned income credit for families with children (effective 2026), and sets it at 15% for individuals without qualifying children. This directly affects eligible taxpayers who qualify for the federal earned income credit but have limited income. The bill amends tax statutes to replace the previous credit rate (applicable through 2025) with these new percentages for future tax years.
Maddy summarySB 922 requires polling places to display a clear "Voter Bill of Rights" listing specific rights (like secret ballots, language assistance, and provisional voting) at all locations. It mandates election officials to coordinate with language advocacy groups to ensure polling places serve voters speaking non-English languages and have at least one bilingual official present. The bill also creates new legal pathways for voters to sue if their rights are violated, including seeking injunctive relief or attorney fees if they win. These provisions directly affect all voters, particularly language minority communities and those facing potential voting barriers.
Maddy summarySB 944 adjusts how property tax limits are calculated for cities and towns (political subdivisions) that redevelop parking lots into new commercial, residential, or mixed-use buildings. Specifically, it adds 1.5 times the value increase from qualifying parking lot redevelopment to the annual development percentage used in tax levy calculations. Qualifying redevelopment requires at least 40% of the parcel area to have been paved parking in the prior year. This change applies to all political subdivisions with qualifying projects but specifically includes tax increment districts in Evansville and Stevens Point, plus new districts after 2024. The bill aims to account for redevelopment value in tax levy limits without increasing the overall tax burden.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution (SJR 134) is a symbolic proclamation designating February 2026 as Black History Month in Wisconsin. It honors the contributions of eight notable African American Wisconsinites - such as civil rights leader Lloyd Barbee, first Black state legislator Marcia Coggs, and community leaders Clinton and Bernice Rose - while recognizing the historical significance of Black history in the state and nation. The resolution has no binding legal effect but serves to formally acknowledge these figures and the broader observance of Black History Month.
Maddy summarySB 958 creates a dedicated "Water Fund for Our Future" with $250 million transferred from the general fund for state water infrastructure and emergency response. It establishes a rapid response account within the fund to cover costs for natural disasters and public health emergencies, including remediation, relocation, and assistance for affected individuals. A joint legislative committee oversees fund spending, ensuring money is only used for clean water activities and requiring written recommendations for funding requests. The fund also includes provisions for transferring unspent balances to the budget stabilization fund during fiscal shortages.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans to cover vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for children under 6 years old. If the CDC withdraws its recommendations, insurers must instead cover vaccines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics or American Academy of Family Physicians. It applies to all health insurance plans, including self-insured state/local government plans, covering dependent children. The law ensures continuous vaccine coverage regardless of changes to CDC guidelines.
Maddy summarySB 1068 requires full-service pharmacies and major grocery stores (defined as stores over 15,000 sq ft selling fresh produce, meats, and dairy) to provide employees with 60 days' written notice before a permanent closure (over 90 days, excluding health emergencies or renovations). Employers must notify affected employees, union representatives, local officials, and county boards, including contact information for local workforce resources. If notice is not given on time, employees can recover up to 60 days' pay and lost benefits through the state department, with enforcement handled by the department of justice if needed. The bill directly affects workers at these specific retail businesses and aims to provide advance notice and support during job loss.
Maddy summarySB 1026 requires all Wisconsin public and private schools, including charter schools, to incorporate African American history into their social studies curriculum for all grades kindergarten through 12. The bill mandates a state-developed model curriculum covering African American contributions, experiences, and migration history within broader U.S. and state contexts, with grade-specific learning standards. It funds three education consultants to assist schools with implementation and adds a requirement for teacher licensure to include African American history study. The law applies to all schools starting with the school year following its effective date.
Maddy summarySB 1079 establishes income-based limits on out-of-pocket costs for families using Wisconsin Shares child care subsidies. It prevents families from paying more than 7% of their gross income in copayments and exempts those with incomes below 150% of the federal poverty line from any copayment. The bill also increases annual funding for the program by $22.93 million for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 to cover these changes. These provisions directly affect low-income families receiving child care assistance under Wisconsin Shares.