The GOP-controlled Joint Finance Committee approved boosting the amount of state money going into youth apprenticeship programs and meat inspections, though it was significantly less than what Dem Gov. Tony Evers proposed.
Dems accused their GOP counterparts of seeking to “nickel and dime” state agencies and gut the youth apprenticeship program. The latter charge drew a rebuke from Republicans.
Evers proposed putting $11.3 million more into the youth apprenticeship program, which provides grants of up to $1,100 per student. The guv’s plan would’ve provided enough funding to meet the maximum grant for 12,440 students in 2025-26 and 16,000 in 2026-27, according to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau.
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Instead, the committing approved $6 million more in state aid in addition to the $10 million currently allocated.
The GOP motion that included the funding provided the boost on a one-time basis, meaning the program would return to its base funding of $10 million at the start of the 2027-29 budget. The guv’s plan sought to make the funding increase ongoing into future biennium.
Rep. Deb Andraca, D-Whitefish Bay, said the GOP approach would lead to fewer apprenticeship opportunities and grants will be less than under the guv’s proposal.
“At the time where we’re skimping on all kinds of programs for youth and young people, the youth apprenticeship program where kids can try out new skills and new jobs and train for Wisconsin’s jobs of tomorrow, sounds like it’s pretty much getting gutted,” she said.
According to LFB, the grants would be prorated to about $1,000 per student compared to the maximum grant of $1,100. They’re now prorated at $903 per participant.
Sen. Romaine Quinn, R-Birchwood, pointed to those figures to rebuff Andraca’s charge.
“So this motion adds $6 million and $100 per award over the last budget, but we’re supposed to believe it’s gutting the program,” Quinn said.
In other actions, the committee approved GOP motions to:
- Provide $2.5 million for the 2025-27 biennium to support the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s meat inspection program. Evers had proposed a nearly $4.1 million increase. The motion also included three positions to aid the agency’s operation to monitor animal diseases and respond to outbreaks. Evers proposed adding seven positions.
- Increase to $265 million starting in 2026 the maximum amount paid into a reinsurance program that helps keep down the costs of insurance premiums for those who purchase coverage through the exchanges offered under the Affordable Care Act. The maximum is now $230 million a year, and Evers had proposed going to $250 million.
- Provide $2.8 million and six positions for the Wisconsin Historical Society to start preparing for the opening of its new museum on the Capitol square, which is expected in 2027.
