Assembly Bill 1018 proposes significant changes to the income eligibility criteria for the Wisconsin Shares child care subsidy program, which is part of the Wisconsin Works (W-2) initiative. The bill aims to expand eligibility by lowering the income threshold from 200 percent of the poverty line to 85 percent of the state median income. Additionally, it allows individuals already receiving subsidies to maintain their eligibility until their income exceeds 100 percent of the state median income, while eliminating the previous sliding scale increase in copayment amounts based on income increases.

The bill also includes an appropriation of $1,250,000 in general program revenue to support these changes. Key amendments to the existing law involve the renumbering and amendment of specific subsections related to eligibility criteria, as well as the repeal of certain provisions that are no longer applicable under the new income guidelines. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance access to child care subsidies for low-income families in Wisconsin, thereby supporting their participation in work and educational activities.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 49.155(1m)(c)1.(intro.), 49.155, 49.155(1m)(c)1d.b, 49.155(1m)(c)1h, 49.155(1m)(c)1m, 49.155(1m)(c)2, 49.155(1m)(c)3