Wisconsin Senate Bill SB702

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/21/23
• Refer: 11/21/23
• Report Pass: 1/9/24
• Engrossed: 1/16/24
• Enrolled: 1/19/24
• Chaptered: 2/1/24
• Passed: 2/1/24

Caption

Funding for technical college oral health care programs. (FE)

Impact

If enacted, SB702 would notably amend existing statutes related to funding provisions for technical college programs. District boards that operate technical colleges may submit requests for funding to expand their oral health care programs and concurrently demonstrate community demand for such services. The bill mandates that these institutions also provide a minimum of 20% matching funds for the amount requested, emphasizing collaboration between state funding and local financial commitments. Overall, the bill seeks not only to improve educational capabilities in oral health care but also to ensure that the workforce is adequately supported and incentivized to remain in these roles.

Summary

Senate Bill 702, also known as the funding for technical college oral health care programs bill, aims to allocate up to $20 million over the 2023-25 fiscal biennium to enhance and expand the state’s oral health care workforce through technical colleges. This legislation is primarily designed to fund eligible expenditures, which include capital improvements, instructional supplies, and providing bonuses for newly hired instructors in oral health care programs. By focusing on workforce development in this essential healthcare sector, SB702 acknowledges the growing demand for oral health services and the necessity to train and retain qualified professionals in these fields.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB702 appears to be largely positive among stakeholders in healthcare and education sectors. Supporters argue that improving funding for oral health care training is crucial for addressing oral health disparities and meeting population health needs. However, there may be contention regarding the allocation of funds and the oversight of how they are used, with some emphasizing the need for accountability in spending. The potential impact of these investments on enhancing community health cannot be understated, which positions the bill favorably in public opinion.

Contention

Despite the overall support for SB702, there are notable points of contention about its funding mechanisms and the expected outcomes. Critics might raise concerns regarding the effectiveness of funding programs without rigorous tracking and accountability measures in place to ensure funds lead to tangible workforce outputs. Additionally, some stakeholders may be wary of how the bill's passage could influence budget allocations in other areas of education or health care. The balance between state funding support and local community need remains a critical discussion point.