WisconsinSmall local governments could seek grants for application help
From 2027 through 2030, small Wisconsin local governments could apply for up to $5,000 to get help with certain grant applications and requirements.
What it does
Local governments with fewer than 7,500 residents could seek up to $5,000 for help applying for grants and meeting grant rules. The help would be limited to projects in specified local service areas.
Argument forSmall local governments could get help seeking grants for local services through an application designed for places with limited staff.
Argument againstThe $5,000 limit could leave small local governments without enough help for larger projects or complicated grant applications.
More detail
The Department of Revenue would award grants to local governments for grant writing and compliance help. Eligible applicants would be political subdivisions with fewer than 7,500 residents. The help could cover grants for public works, transportation, public safety, utility costs, or cybersecurity. Each grant could be no more than $5,000. The department would prioritize governments that had not received a program grant before. Applications would ask only for listed basic details and must be simple and accessible to governments with limited staff. The department would hold two grant cycles each year from 2027 through 2030. It would report on the program by December 31, 2029.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- May 13Failed to pass notwithstanding the objections of the Governor pursuant to Joint Rule 82Latest
- May 12Placed on calendar 5-12-2026 pursuant to Joint Rule 82 (2)(a)
- Apr 3Report vetoed by the Governor Tony Evers on 4-3-2026Major
- Apr 2Presented to the Governor on 4-2-2026To Governor
- Mar 25Report correctly enrolled on 3-25-2026Minor
- Mar 18Received from Senate concurred inMinor
- Mar 17Ordered immediately messaged
- Mar 17Senator Smith added as a cosponsor
- Mar 17Read a third time and concurred inPassed Senate
- Mar 17Rules suspended to give bill its third reading
- Mar 17Ordered to a third readingMinor
- Mar 17Read a second timeMinor
- Mar 16Placed on calendar 3-17-2026 pursuant to Senate Rule 18(1)
- Vote recorded Public hearing requirement waived by committee on Senate Organization, pursuant to Senate Rule 18 (1m), Ayes 3, Noes 2. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 16Public hearing requirement waived by committee on Senate Organization, pursuant to Senate Rule 18 (1m), Ayes 3, Noes 2
- Feb 25Available for scheduling
- Feb 25Read first time and referred to committee on Senate OrganizationMinor
- Feb 23Received from AssemblyMinor
- Feb 19Ordered immediately messaged
- Feb 19Read a third time and passedPassed Assembly
- Feb 19Rules suspended
- Feb 19Ordered to a third readingMinor
- Feb 19Assembly Amendment 1 adoptedMajor
- Feb 19Read a second timeMinor
- Feb 18Made a special order of business at 11:15 AM on 2-19-2026 pursuant to Assembly Resolution 14
- 2025
- Nov 13Placed on calendar 11-19-2025 by Committee on Rules
- Oct 16Referred to committee on RulesMinor
- Vote recorded Report Assembly Amendment 1 adoption recommended by Committee on Local Government, Ayes 10, Noes 0. Result: pass.Lower
- Vote recorded Report passage as amended recommended by Committee on Local Government, Ayes 7, Noes 3. Result: pass.Lower
- Oct 16Report passage as amended recommended by Committee on Local Government, Ayes 7, Noes 3Minor
- Oct 16Report Assembly Amendment 1 adoption recommended by Committee on Local Government, Ayes 10, Noes 0Minor
- Oct 8Executive action taken
- Oct 7Assembly Substitute Amendment 1 offered by Representative AndersonMinor
- Oct 2Assembly Amendment 1 offered by Representative KurtzMinor
- Sep 23Fiscal estimate receivedMinor
- Sep 10Public hearing held
- Jul 16Fiscal estimate receivedMinor
- Jul 8Read first time and referred to Committee on Local GovernmentMinor
- Jul 8Introduced by Representatives Kurtz, Swearingen, Armstrong, Behnke, Brill, Callahan, Goeben, Green, B. Jacobson, Johnson, Kitchens, Kreibich, Krug, Melotik, Murphy, Mursau, Novak, O'Connor, Steffen and Tranel; cosponsored by Senators Marklein, Cabral-Guevara, Pfaff, Spreitzer and JamesIntroduced
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