Democratic Lawmakers Introduce First Legislative Package of New Session

Democrats' "Lowering Costs, Improving Lives"

Democrats at the Wisconsin Capitol are beginning the new session with a focus on the Homestead Tax Credit, school lunches, and a push for lower prescription drug prices.

On Thursday Democrats introduced what they are calling Lowering Costs, Improving Lives package.

"I talked to thousands of voters who told me that the cost of living was their top concern. Voters are struggling to make ends meet. While Legislative Republicans are playing political games, we are taking action," Rep. Jimmy Anderson, D-Beloit, said in a statement.

The clearest part of the proposal is to expand the Homestead Tax Credit.

Anderson is not saying just how far he wants to expand it, but currently only people with a household income of under $24,680 for 2024, who are disabled or over 62-years-old can qualify.

“The Homestead Tax Credit has helped Wisconsinites with low or fixed incomes stay in their homes, and this bill ensures that it will continue to do so into the future. Unfortunately, the credit has not kept up with inflation and has not increased since 2010 – even with rents and home prices rising and housing affordability as an increasing problem for people across Wisconsin.’ Sen Mark Spreitzer, D-Beloit added.

Democratic lawmakers are , however, not saying how they intend to pay for that expansion.

Lawmakers are also not saying how they would pay for an expansion of free lunch in the state.

Democrats say they want to remove income requirements for free and reduced price school meals, and allow every child in the state to qualify.

“As a public school educator, giving healthy school meals to every child in Wisconsin, no matter their zip code, is not just a good policy, it’s personal to me. I have witnessed firsthand what school lunches being inaccessible and unaffordable can do to our children,” Rep. Angelina Criz, D-Racine, said in a statement. “Children who do not have access to nutritious meals have an unnecessary added barrier to learning and stigma attached to them.”

Wisconsin’s state superintendent has pegged the price tag for a full, free lunch for all program at $300 million per-year.

There’s no price tag available, or many details, about the Democrats’ plans to lower prescription drug costs.

Though, if it is tied to a Medicaid expansion in the state, the price tag there is expected to be over $1 billion a-year.