The recently passed and signed Wisconsin state budget includes several items impacting child care, workforce development, and workers compensation.  

Child Care & Early Education 

• Wisconsin Shares Funding Increased: An additional $21.4M was approved due to rising caseloads, along with $137.2M to raise reimbursement rates to better match market value. 
• Child Care Counts Program Removed: The Governor’s proposal for permanent funding was denied. Instead, $110M in one-time federal dollars will temporarily support providers through July 2026. 
• New Access Support: $1M annually starting in 2026-27 will go to Wonder School Inc. for licensing and support services. 
• Pilot Program on Ratios: A 2-year test will increase worker-to-child ratios and provide higher reimbursements for infants and toddlers. 
• In-Home Child Care Expansion: A new category for “large family child care centers” allows up to 12 kids per home, easing space regulations to support more providers. 
• Assistant Teacher Flexibility: Child care centers can now hire trained 16-year-olds, with limited unsupervised time allowed after age 18. 
• New 4K Option: $66.1M will support a community-based school readiness program offering 4K instruction at child care centers, outside the public school system. 

Workforce Investments 

• Youth Apprenticeship Grants: Funding increased by $6M. 
• Early College Credit Program: Receives $581K in additional support. 
• CDL Training: $500K will extend the commercial driver grant program two more years. 
• Technical College Enhancements: 
  • $8.3M in general aid. 
  • $2M for AI curriculum and credentials. 
  • $3M for free, open-source textbooks. 

Workers Compensation Fee Schedule 

• A new hospital-only fee schedule will help lower workers comp medical costs. 
• Rates will be set by region at the 75th percentile of commercial prices, plus 20%. 
• This is a first step toward broader reform, focused on cost savings for employers. 

To learn more and see the full state budget, visit:  https://doa.wi.gov/Pages/StateFinances/CurrentBiennialBudget.aspx