Wisconsin Senate Bill SB240

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/9/25
• Refer: 5/9/25

Caption

Workforce literacy grant program. (FE)

Impact

The primary objective of SB240 is to bolster the state's workforce by teaching essential skills such as workforce readiness, basic literacy, digital literacy, and preparing individuals for general educational development (GED) testing. The funding provided through the grants can be utilized for various purposes, including training programs, educational materials, and professional support for organizations devoted to direct adult literacy services. This initiative aims to strengthen the workforce, making it more adaptable and skilled in a changing economic landscape.

Summary

Senate Bill 240, known as the Workforce Literacy Grant Program, introduces a significant initiative aimed at enhancing workforce literacy across the state of Wisconsin. The bill mandates the Department of Workforce Development to establish a program that provides annual grants to nonprofit organizations. These organizations must offer or support adult literacy and community-based literacy services in more than half of Wisconsin's counties, expanding access to critical educational resources.

Contention

While the bill presents promising benefits, discussions surrounding its implementation may reveal points of contention, particularly around the distribution of grants and how effectively these programs will be administered. Some stakeholders may raise concerns about the adequacy of support for the organizations receiving funds or the potential for differences in literacy program quality across counties. The emphasis on nonprofit entities may also invite debate regarding the competitive landscape for grants, particularly for organizations that are smaller or less established.