Wisconsin Senate Bill SB710

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/21/23
• Refer: 11/21/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Payment processing equipment and services for farmers and farmers' markets and making an appropriation. (FE)

Impact

The introduction of SB710 is expected to significantly enhance the economic viability of farmers and farmers' markets by making it easier for them to accept various forms of payment. By integrating EBT and card processing, the bill supports the broader inclusion of SNAP recipients and other consumers who prefer electronic payment methods. As a result, it could potentially expand the customer base for farmers and improve sales, particularly in local markets where cash transactions are declining.

Summary

Senate Bill 710 is a legislative proposal aimed at facilitating payment processing for farmers and farmers' markets in Wisconsin. Specifically, it seeks to establish a program that provides electronic benefit transfer (EBT) and credit and debit card processing equipment and services to farmers who sell directly to consumers. The bill ensures that these payment processing services include provisions for the food stamp program, which in Wisconsin is referred to as FoodShare. It also mandates that vendors processing these transactions must be capable of handling local purchasing incentives, even if they are financed by external local entities.

Contention

However, discussions surrounding SB710 may involve concerns about the allocation of the $735,000 appropriated for this initiative, which includes funding for a partial employee position at the Department of Health Services to manage the payment processing program. Some stakeholders might question the efficiency and effectiveness of this funding, as well as the implications for other agricultural or health service initiatives competing for the same public resources. There may also be debates on how well local purchasing incentives will be implemented and whether the processing costs might deter its successful roll-out among smaller farmers.