Wisconsin Senate Bill SB322

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/12/25
• Refer: 6/12/25

Caption

A Department of Children and Families program to make payments to child care programs, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)

Impact

As outlined in SB322, the implementation of this program signifies a notable shift in the state's approach to funding child care services. This change is expected to streamline the process by which funds are distributed to providers and enhance the accessibility of child care for families in need. By providing stable financial support to child care facilities, the bill may help address workforce shortages and improve the overall quality of child care services that the state offers.

Summary

Senate Bill 322 establishes a new program under the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) aimed at providing monthly payments to child care programs and providers. This bill allows DCF to make per-child payments to certified providers and licensed centers, supplementing the existing Wisconsin Shares program, which supports low-income custodial parents. Through this initiative, the DCF is tasked with creating eligibility requirements and payment amounts, which can be implemented via emergency rules to facilitate immediate action on these provisions.

Contention

The bill also repeals certain provisions regarding how payment rates for child care providers are adjusted under the Wisconsin Shares program, specifically eliminating the link to providers' ratings in the YoungStar quality rating system. This aspect of the bill has raised questions about the impact on quality control measures that were previously tied to funding, leading to concerns among stakeholders regarding the potential for inequitable funding distribution and the overall efficacy of child care quality in the state.