Governor Evers' Proposed 2025-27 Budget

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2025-27 Biennial Budget Overview

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Governor Evers' 2025-2027 biennial budget proposal is the most pro-kid budget in state history and includes several smart investments that benefit the whole family, allowing our programs to impact more than individual participants. The requests included are designed to be efficient, consistent, and connected. They aim to provide the necessary services when they are needed; ensure our programs reach people across the state in an equitable fashion; and work together to foster economic security, independence, and sustainability for all families.

The Governor's budget for DCF is centered on three major themes. More information about each theme and additional investments can be found by visiting the corresponding web page.

Decisions about what will be included in the final budget, which is typically announced in June, will be made by the Legislature as well as the Governor. 

Providing all Families with Access to Quality Early Care and Education Opportunities

Making critical investments in Wisconsin’s early care and education field to support families, communities, and the economy.

  • Sustain and increase child care programs and slots by investing in 4K and Child Care Counts
  • Increase Wisconsin Shares subsidy rates to maintain the legislatively-required 75th percentile
  • Cap Wisconsin Shares co-payments at 7% of a family’s household income
  • Expand access to Wisconsin Shares, including presumptive eligibility for families in transition
  • Support aspiring child care staff and Child Care Foundational Trainings

Putting Families First in Wisconsin’s Child Welfare System

Making critical investments in Wisconsin’s child welfare system to support more families in-home, set youth up for success, and strengthen family-focused, collaborative programs. 

  • Ensure a child has access to their Social Security income following their exit from OHC
  • Increase county and tribal funding and flexibility for Tribal Family Services, Children and Family Aids, and Youth Aids
  • Expand eligibility and funding for independent living services and programs that support runaway and homeless youth
  • Extend kinship care and subsidized guardianship to include children involved in youth justice
  • Provide rate increases for foster parents and rate parity for like-kin caregivers

Helping Families Improve Their Economic Mobility

Making key investments so every individual, child, and family is economically and socially secure.

  • Modernize the child support program and related automated systems
  • Remove the requirement to collect child support from families with children in out-of-home care (OHC) to assist in family reunification
  • Expand the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program to additional schools

Detailed information about DCF's budget request can be found using the department's summary of budget recommendations.