Wisconsin Senate Bill SB345

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/21/23
• Refer: 6/21/23
• Report Pass: 10/9/23
• Engrossed: 10/17/23
• Refer: 3/14/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Grants to Choose Life Wisconsin and making an appropriation. (FE)

Impact

The financial implications of SB345 include an increase in the budget allocation for the Department of Health Services, aimed at fostering the activities of pregnancy resource centers. As a result, the bill not only augments the state’s funding in reproductive health support but also mandates annual reporting from Choose Life Wisconsin to ensure accountability and transparency regarding the distribution of funds. The statewide focus on pregnancy support may alter the landscape of resources available for pregnant individuals seeking assistance.

Summary

Senate Bill 345 aims to provide financial grants to the organization Choose Life Wisconsin, specifically for supporting pregnancy resource centers. The bill mandates that the Department of Health Services award a $1,000,000 grant each year, facilitating Choose Life Wisconsin to distribute grants of up to $50,000 to various pregnancy resource centers across the state. This allocation represents a significant financial commitment from the state towards organizations focused on pregnancy counseling and related services.

Contention

Notably, SB345 has sparked debate regarding the appropriateness of state funds being allocated to particular types of health services. Critics argue that such funding may lead to preferential support towards organizations that promote specific ideologies about pregnancy, potentially at the expense of comprehensive reproductive health services. Proponents, however, assert that the initiative provides necessary support for pregnancy resource centers, which they view as crucial for expectant parents in need of assistance.