MADISON — Today, Legislative Democrats introduced a six-bill plan to cut child care costs as working families continue to grapple with rising bills. With child care prices forcing parents to choose between their jobs and their kids, this plan takes direct action to lower costs, reduce uncertainty, and support families.
“Parents are doing everything and more for their families. They’re working full-time and picking up extra hours trying to get ahead, but child care costs are pushing them to the breaking point,” said Rep. Alex Joers (D-Waunakee). “We need to make life easier for working families.”
The legislative package includes the following proposals:
LRB-4132 — Child Care for the Missing Middle: Expands eligibility for Wisconsin Shares by raising income limits and tying them to Wisconsin’s median income, helping middle-class families who do not qualify under current rules but still struggle with high child care costs. The bill also prevents families from abruptly losing assistance as their earnings grow.
LRB-4133 — Capping the Cost of Care: Caps Wisconsin Shares co-payments at 7% of a family’s income, replacing unpredictable costs that can reach as high as 11%, making monthly child care expenses more affordable and predictable.
LRB-4269 — Child Care Assistance for Early Educators: Allows early childhood educators to receive Wisconsin Shares assistance for their own children–regardless of income–helping to recruit and retain staff, reopen classrooms, and reduce waitlists amid Wisconsin’s child care shortage.
LRB-4881 — Building the Workforce Behind the Workforce: Covers the cost of required training for current and future early educators, funding more than 10,000 courses and removing financial barriers that deter qualified people from entering or staying in the profession.
LRB-4880 — Improving Access to Tribal Child Care: Invests $500,000 annually to support Tribal child care programs through training and technical assistance, strengthening culturally responsive care and workforce stability in Tribal communities.
LRB-4878 — Including All Caregivers: Updates Wisconsin Shares to fully include “like-kin” caregivers, aligning the program with current kinship care law and ensuring children in safe, stable homes can access child care assistance.
“When child care costs are unpredictable or unaffordable, parents lose hours, lose pay, or are forced out of the workforce altogether,” said Rep. Joers. “That’s not a personal failure, it’s a policy failure. These bills lower costs and give families some breathing room.”
The legislation also supports child care providers by stabilizing payments, reducing staff turnover, and helping keep classrooms open.
“The bottom line is simple,” Rep. Joers added. “Child care shouldn’t feel like a monthly crisis. When parents can afford care, they can afford to work, businesses can afford to keep employees, and kids get the safe, reliable care they deserve.”
