The ongoing discussions regarding Wisconsin’s FoodShare program highlight the delicate balance between funding and the regulations governing food assistance. Governor Tony Evers has recently reached a pivotal agreement with the Legislature, which could significantly impact the way residents are able to access food aid in the state.
Funding Agreement and Restrictions
(The Center Square) – Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers told reporters on Wednesday that his deal with the Legislature to agree to $72 million in funding for the state’s FoodShare if the food stamp program did not allow the purchase of candy or soft drinks was all about compromise.
Evers and Democratic legislators did not want the purchase restriction in place, arguing that many in food deserts had to rely on the occasional purchase of candy or soft drinks to get by.
“I’d rather have someone go to bed with food in their stomach than go to bed hungry,” Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein said.
Evers had argued that the $72 million in funding was needed to prevent Wisconsin from going over a 6% error rate on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, which would incur more than $200 million in federal penalties.
Wisconsin had a 4.47% payment error rate as of late 2024–2025.
“Making sure folks have food to eat is one of the most basic things we do as a society—we should be doing everything we can to make sure Wisconsinites and Americans can access basic necessities like food,” Evers said in a statement. “It’s pretty simple.”
Lawmakers, however, questioned why Wisconsin’s payment error rate would suddenly rise.
“The governor wants the Legislature to bail him out,” Sen. Chris Kapenga, R-Delafield, recently told Badger Institute. “I don’t think DHS is going to get anywhere close to that six percent error rate, and he’s scared (it’s going to be higher than 6 percent). We have asked him to show us the data and he hasn’t. But that’s the way he has always operated.”
The Assembly passed the latest version of the bill, 71-22, while the Senate passed the bill 25-8.
Key Takeaways
- Governor Evers secured a $72 million funding deal for Wisconsin’s FoodShare program.
- The agreement includes a restriction on purchasing candy and soft drinks with benefits.
- Democratic legislators argue that such restrictions negatively impact those living in food deserts.
- The funding is aimed at preventing an uptick in payment error rates that could trigger significant federal penalties.
- The current error rate sits at 4.47%, below the critical 6% threshold.
- Legislators have voiced skepticism about the need for increased funding and claimed the data justifying it has not been provided.
FAQ
Why is the funding for FoodShare important?
The funding is crucial to ensure that Wisconsin does not exceed the allowable error rate for SNAP benefits, which could lead to severe financial penalties.
What are the consequences of the candy and soda restriction?
This restriction could disproportionately affect individuals in food deserts who may rely on these items sporadically to manage their food needs.
What is the current payment error rate in Wisconsin?
The latest reported payment error rate for Wisconsin’s SNAP program stands at 4.47%.
What are the legislative responses to the governor’s proposal?
Some lawmakers have expressed doubts about the necessity of the funding and have questioned the projected rise in the error rate.
How was the bill received in the Legislature?
The bill passed in the Assembly by a vote of 71-22 and in the Senate by 25-8.
This funding initiative marks a significant development in the state’s approach to food assistance, as lawmakers and the governor continue to navigate complex considerations of public policy and community welfare.
