The new bill authored by State Sen. LaTonya Johnson seeks to direct the Department of Workforce Development to study a grant program for guaranteed employment in the care economy, according to the Wisconsin State Senate.
According to the Wisconsin State Legislature’s official website, the bill was described as follows: “study of guaranteed employment grant program and making an appropriation. (FE)”.
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill mandates the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) to conduct a study on establishing a grant program for guaranteed employment, targeting public and nonprofit sectors within the care economy. This program would fund new jobs that are subject to collective bargaining agreements, with positions offering at least 100 days of 8-hours-per-day work at a rate of $20 per hour. Eligible participants include individuals aged 18 to 24, those with disabilities, heads of households earning 150% or less of the federal poverty line, long-term unemployed individuals, and formerly incarcerated individuals. The study will assess eligibility, costs, workforce needs, training strategies, and pathways to full-time employment. DWD must submit their findings and suggestions to the governor and legislative leaders within 18 months. The bill allocates $250,000 for this study and takes effect following the publication of this act or the 2025 biennial budget, whichever is later.
The bill was co-authored by Representative Darrin B. Madison (Democrat-10th District), Senator Dianne H. Hesselbein (Democrat-27th District), Senator Chris Larson (Democrat-7th District), Senator Mark Spreitzer (Democrat-15th District), Senator Robert W. Wirch (Democrat-22nd District). It was co-sponsored by Representative Margaret Arney (Democrat-18th District), Representative Mike Bare (Democrat-80th District), and Representative Brienne Brown (Democrat-43rd District), along 18 other co-sponsors.
LaTonya Johnson has co-authored or authored another 14 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.
Johnson graduated from Tennessee State University in 1997 with a BS.
Johnson, a Democrat, was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 2017 to represent the state’s 6th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Nikiya Harris Dodd.
In Wisconsin, the legislative process starts when a senator, constituent, group, or agency proposes an idea for a bill. After drafting, the bill is introduced, numbered, and referred to a committee for review and public input. If approved, it moves through three readings and votes in both the Senate and Assembly. Once both chambers pass the same version, the bill goes to the governor, who can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Only a small share of bills introduced each session ultimately become law. You can learn more about the Wisconsin legislative process here.
| Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| SB187 | 04/14/2025 | Study of guaranteed employment grant program and making an appropriation. (FE) |
| SB135 | 03/14/2025 | Special observance days in schools |
| SB73 | 02/26/2025 | Prosecuting or adjudicating delinquent a person under the age of 18 for committing an act of prostitution |
| SB70 | 02/26/2025 | A minor’s authority to consent to health care |
| SB60 | 02/21/2025 | Expanding the homestead income tax credit. (FE) |
