Citing small business and social service staffing concerns, the Legislature’s budget committee approved measures Wednesday diverting millions to combat challenges in some of the state’s most affected areas, including child care and health care.
The Joint Finance Committee also approved a bill that would exempt restaurant owners from paying taxes on grants they received through a federal program.
The finance committee Wednesday approved $194 million to continue a program that in the COVID-19 pandemic provides assistance to child care providers. The money will also go toward supporting other aid programs intended to support families and early child care providers.
That plan will help Wisconsinites find access to child care, which will help them stay in the workforce, said committee co-chair Rep. Mark Born, R-Beaver Dam.
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The committee Wednesday also approved $5 million to provide fellowships and loan repayment assistance to nursing students and help recruit nursing program faculty.
Before the meeting, finance committee co-chair Sen. Howard Marklein, R-Spring Green, said there are not enough nursing faculty members to proportionately respond to the nursing student surge.
“Our action today will start hopefully replenishing that pipeline, to get those nurse educators in front of those students to increase the number of graduates coming out,” Marklein said.
Finally, the committee approved on a 14-1 vote a bill, SB 690, that would create a state income tax exemption for grants received from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, which was established through a federal COVID-19 support program. Sen. Duey Stroebel, R-Saukville, voted no on the bill.
Ultimately, that plan would save restaurant owners more than $27 million, according to the fiscal estimate.
In a statement, Stroebel said the tax exemption would benefit only the select restaurants that received the grants, adding that the state Legislature should not pick winners and losers.
“Longstanding tax policy has not allowed income tax deductions for expenses that are attributed to tax exempt income,” he said. “I oppose this type of double dipping.”
Top 10 Wisconsin political stories of 2021 (based on what you, the readers, read)
2021 was another big year in Wisconsin politics. Sen. Ron Johnson said some things. Voters elected a new state superintendent. Gov. Tony Evers and Republicans clashed over mask mandates. Michael Gableman threatened to jail the mayors of Madison and Green Bay. Here are 10 political stories you, the readers, checked out in droves.
Since the start of the outbreak, Gov. Tony Evers has issued multiple public health emergencies and a series of related orders.
Sen. Ron slammed the impeachment over the weekend as “vindictive and divisive,” and possibly a “diversionary operation” by Democrats to distract from security lapses at the U.S. Capitol.
"I wouldn’t run if I don’t think I could win," said Johnson, who is undecided on a re-election bid.
The board had previously not required masks in schools after some in the public voiced opposition.
With a new order announced, Republicans may be forced to start the process all over again to vote down the governor's emergency order and accompanying mask mandate, but the most likely outcome appears to be an eventual court decision.
Fort McCoy officials acknowledge there were initial problems with food supply, but that and other issues are being addressed.
The idea is in its infancy and all options, including declining to pursue anything, are on the table.
Gableman has asked the court, which plans to take up the matter on Dec. 22, to compel the two mayors to meet with him.
Deborah Kerr said she has also voted for Republicans and tells GOP audiences on the campaign trail for the officially nonpartisan race that she is a "pragmatic Democrat."
Limbaugh died Wednesday at 70.