Senate Bill 1016 aims to expand eligibility for Wisconsin Shares child care subsidies to custodial parents who are employees of child care providers. Currently, the program provides subsidies to low-income custodial parents under Wisconsin Works (W-2), but this bill allows custodial parents who work in child care to qualify for subsidies even if they do not meet the income restrictions, provided they meet other eligibility criteria. The bill creates a new appropriation under section 20.437 (2) (cp) to fund these subsidies, ensuring that custodial parents employed in child care can receive financial assistance for their children's care.

The bill includes several amendments to existing statutes, notably in section 49.155, which outlines eligibility requirements for child care subsidies. Key changes include the addition of a new eligibility criterion for custodial parents employed by child care providers (49.155 (1m) (a) 5m.) and the creation of a specific eligibility section for these employees (49.155 (2s)). Additionally, the bill modifies existing language to clarify that certain income and asset restrictions do not apply to custodial parents who qualify under the new provisions. Overall, this legislation seeks to support child care employees who are also custodial parents by providing them with necessary financial resources for child care.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 49.155(1m)(intro.), 49.155, 49.155(1m)(a)6, 49.155(1m)(c)1.(intro.), 49.155(1m)(cr)(intro.)