MADISON- Today, Senator Keyeski (D-Lodi) joined Legislative Democrats in introducing the Lowering Costs, Improving Lives bill package. This package contains three bills: Healthy School Meals for All, to lower food costs for working families and support students; the Homestead Tax Credit, to lower the tax burden for low-income renters and homeowners; and Less for Rx, to lower prescription drug prices for all.

Senator Keyeski released the following statement in response:

“I am thrilled that Senate and Assembly Democrats are getting right to work this legislative session to make basic necessities more affordable for working class Wisconsinites. I have heard from constituents all across the 14th Senate District about the challenges of rising costs, and I’m so pleased that the first three bills we are putting forward today help to address that issue directly.

“I’m particularly excited about the Healthy School Meals for All bill in this package, and I’m just so proud to be one of the lead authors on this proposal. Healthy School Meals for All would provide free breakfast and lunch for all students at our public schools. This bill would give every child the same access to nutritious meals needed to fuel their brains and bodies and lower food costs for working families.

“The sad reality is, an unacceptable percentage of our children are facing hunger. No child should be in school with an empty stomach or have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. If a student is hungry, they won’t be able to concentrate on schoolwork, manage behaviors, socialize successfully, and participate in extracurricular activities. This can seriously harm a child’s mental health and their success in school.  

“According to the USDA’s Paid Lunch Equity Tool, if this proposal were implemented, a Wisconsin family could save approximately $154 a month per child, or $1848 annually. That extra money in parents’ pockets can go a long way towards other necessary expenses. With Healthy School Meals for All, we have an opportunity to help students thrive and lower costs for working families at a time when every dollar counts.

“The Lowering Costs, Improving Lives bill package offered by Legislative Democrats would help Wisconsinites afford meals, housing, and the prescription drugs they need to live healthy, safe, and successful lives. This is just the first of many proposals to support and uplift Wisconsin residents. We are just getting started!”