MADISON, WISCONSIN – AARP Wisconsin today thanked the Governor and state lawmakers for addressing some of the most critical needs of Wisconsinites age 50-plus in the 2025-27 state budget, while saying other critical issues that were put on the backburner will still need attention going forward.
The budget continues to recognize the importance of addressing the state’s direct care workforce crisis, providing an additional $36.3 million in targeted rate increases for paid caregivers as well as $258 million per year to support minimum payment rates for specific care workers in the Family Care program.
“This is great news, but we’d still like to see more tax relief for Wisconsin’s nearly 600,000 unpaid family caregivers, who spend an average of about $7,200 each per year to keep their loved ones living in their own homes and communities as long as possible,” said AARP WI State Director Martha Cranley. “Additionally, the legislature missed an opportunity to keep older people in their homes through investments in healthy ageing grants as well as sensible prescription drug cost reforms which hopefully can be addressed in the regular legislative session. AARP was pleased to see the budget include a retirement income exclusion for the first $24,000 of retirement income for single filers ($48,000 for married joint filers) currently subject to state tax for individuals 67 and older.
“While this is a great start, we will continue to urge the state to create a basic retirement savings plan for Wisconsin workers that will enable them to start building their nest eggs years before they retire,” Cranley said.
The budget also provides an exemption from the general sales and use tax for electricity and natural gas sold for residential use during the months of May through October.
“This is helpful for all Wisconsinites – especially those on fixed incomes,” Cranley said. “So many older Wisconsinites struggle to make ends meet at the end of each month. We are happy that state lawmakers understand pocketbook issues such as utility costs, and we will continue to look for ways to protect and support Wisconsinites of all ages.”
