Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB240

Introduced
5/9/25  
Refer
5/9/25  

Caption

An Act to create 106.145 of the statutes; Relating to: workforce literacy grant program. (FE)

Impact

The primary objective of SB240 is to bolster the state's workforce by teaching essential skills such as workforce readiness, basic literacy, digital literacy, and preparing individuals for general educational development (GED) testing. The funding provided through the grants can be utilized for various purposes, including training programs, educational materials, and professional support for organizations devoted to direct adult literacy services. This initiative aims to strengthen the workforce, making it more adaptable and skilled in a changing economic landscape.

Summary

Senate Bill 240, known as the Workforce Literacy Grant Program, introduces a significant initiative aimed at enhancing workforce literacy across the state of Wisconsin. The bill mandates the Department of Workforce Development to establish a program that provides annual grants to nonprofit organizations. These organizations must offer or support adult literacy and community-based literacy services in more than half of Wisconsin's counties, expanding access to critical educational resources.

Contention

While the bill presents promising benefits, discussions surrounding its implementation may reveal points of contention, particularly around the distribution of grants and how effectively these programs will be administered. Some stakeholders may raise concerns about the adequacy of support for the organizations receiving funds or the potential for differences in literacy program quality across counties. The emphasis on nonprofit entities may also invite debate regarding the competitive landscape for grants, particularly for organizations that are smaller or less established.

Companion Bills

WI AB235

Crossfiled An Act to create 106.145 of the statutes; Relating to: workforce literacy grant program. (FE)

Previously Filed As

WI AB235

Workforce literacy grant program. (FE)

WI SB3282

Relating To The Workforce Pell Grant Program.

WI HB2383

Relating To The Workforce Pell Grant Program.

WI AB803

Workforce training grants. (FE)

WI SB803

Workforce training grants. (FE)

WI HB2585

Modifies provisions relating to grants for certain workforce training programs

WI SB1196

Modifies provisions relating to grants for certain workforce training programs

WI HB2545

Relating to the establishment of the Rural Workforce Training Grant Program.

WI HB3473

Modifies provisions relating to grants for certain workforce training programs

WI SB490

Approving short-term training programs for eligibility for federal Workforce Pell Grants

Similar Bills

NM SB37

High Quality Literacy Instruction Act

CA SB1048

State Seal of Climate Literacy.

MI HR0199

A resolution to declare October 2025 as Health Literacy Month in the state of Michigan.

HI SCR195

Requesting The Board Of Education, In Collaboration With The Department Of Education, To Revise Public High School Graduation Requirements To Include Successful Completion Of A Standalone Financial Literacy Course.

HI SR192

Requesting The Board Of Education, In Collaboration With The Department Of Education, To Revise Public High School Graduation Requirements To Include Successful Completion Of A Standalone Financial Literacy Course.

WA HB1295

Using evidence-based instructional practices in reading and writing literacy for public elementary students.

CA AB2544

Education for Filmmakers Pilot Program.

HI HB936

Relating To Financial Literacy.