MADISON, Wis – Today, Legislative Democrats introduced three bills in the Lowering Costs, Improving Lives package to help working families across the state. It features an expansion to the Homestead Tax Credit, a Healthy School Meals for All initiative, and a reformed prescription drug policy through the Less for Rx agenda.
Representative Randy Udell (D-Fitchburg) released the following statement regarding the bill package:
“As a legislator, it is my responsibility to address the needs of my constituents. Over and over as I knocked doors this past fall, families told me that rising costs are a top concern. From first-time renters to seniors living on a fixed income, people are struggling to make ends meet. This bill package targets three growing financial burdens for Wisconsin families: housing, groceries, and prescription drugs.
“The issue of prescription drugs hits particularly close to home for me. In caring for my aging mother, I’ve seen the scale of rising prescription costs. This bill would reduce the burden on all families facing health problems by implementing the changes recommended by the Governor’s Task Force on Reducing Prescription Drug Prices, which include capping the cost of insulin, eliminating cost-sharing payments for low-income people, and improving the efficiency of transporting prescription drugs into the state.
“In our district, I know many folks also face rising rent. The State provides low-income renters and homeowners direct property tax relief through the Homestead Tax Credit. However, this tax credit hasn’t been increased since 2010, and the cost of living has increased since then by nearly 45%. This bill creates the required changes for the tax credit to keep up with inflation, which will provide millions of dollars in relief to help Wisconsinites with rising housing costs.
“I look forward to continuing this work alongside my colleagues on issues important to our state and to our districts.
“Trust me, this is only the beginning.”