Governor Evers Calls Special Session on Workforce Development & Child Care Support

Wednesday, August 9th, 2023 -- 2:00 PM

(Bob Hague, WRN) Governor Tony Evers has called a September 20 special session of the Wisconsin Legislature.

At a Tuesday news conference in Milwaukee, the Democratic governor said he wants lawmakers to take up a $1 billion workforce development package, including $365 million to support child care providers. Republican leaders have previously gaveled in and out of such sessions - Evers said he doesn't think that will happen this time.

"Because at the end of the day, I know that Republicans do not want to be responsible for farmers, hospitals, schools and other businesses in their district snot being able to find workers because parents can't find care for their kids."

Evers continued, “I'm calling on the legislature to finish your work on the 2023 25 biennial budget and pass a comprehensive plan to address our state's chronic workforce challenges. And thanks to strategic line item vetoes in the budget, I've ensured ample state resources - about $4 billion.”

Evers also added, “People joining and staying in our workforce depend upon having care for their kids. It’'s pretty simple, it's really not rocket science. Without investments to stabilize the childcare industry many providers won't survive, and in fact one provider told me we should call this ‘survival grants.’ They're going to shut their doors for good and some already are.”

At a Tuesday press conference in Milwaukee, Evers called lawmakers into special session on September 20 to consider his proposal, which includes paid family and medical leave for private employers, as well as increased higher education funding.

The Republican-controlled Legislature has already rejected both paid family and medical leave child care subsidies, and has previously gaveled in and out of special sessions.

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