A new bill authored by State Rep. Mayadev in the Wisconsin Assembly seeks to create a program aimed at improving child care quality and affordability in the state, according to the Wisconsin State Assembly.
According to the Wisconsin State Legislature’s official website, the bill was described as follows: “a Department of Children and Families program to make payments to child care programs, granting rule-making authority, 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 establishes a program within the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families to disburse monthly payments to certified and licensed child care providers, as well as school board-established programs, separate from the existing Wisconsin Shares system. It mandates the creation of eligibility criteria, payment amounts, and use requirements via administrative rules, and permits emergency rulemaking. The program is funded through a new appropriation and federal funds, including child care development funds and TANF block grants. The bill also repeals the method for adjusting maximum payment rates under Wisconsin Shares based on the YoungStar quality rating system, redirecting financial resources towards the new program which aims to enhance child care quality and affordability. Emergency rules can remain in effect until July 1, 2027, or until replaced by permanent rules.
The bill was co-authored by Senator Sarah Keyeski (Democrat-14th District), Representative Clinton M. Anderson (Democrat-45th District), Representative Deb Andraca (Democrat-23rd District), Representative Margaret Arney (Democrat-18th District), Representative Mike Bare (Democrat-80th District). It was co-sponsored by Senator Tim Carpenter (Democrat-3rd District), Senator Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (Democrat-18th District), and Senator Dora E. Drake (Democrat-4th District), along 48 other co-sponsors.
Renuka Mayadev has co-authored or authored another 33 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with all of them being adopted.
Mayadev graduated from Georgetown University Law Center. with a JD.
Mayadev, a Democrat, was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2025 to represent the state’s 77th Assembly district, replacing previous state representative Shelia Stubbs.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| AB317 | 07/08/2025 | A Department of Children and Families program to make payments to child care programs, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE) |
| AB246 | 05/08/2025 | Cost-sharing caps on prescription drugs and medical supplies to treat asthma under health insurance policies and plans. (FE) |
