Find Out What's Happening in Wisconsin
It's Time to Advocate for the State Budget
The state budget is out — and that means it’s time for people with disabilities and their families to make sure their voices are heard. Hearings on the budget are expected to start shortly after the Easter holiday (April 21). The budget introduced by Governor Evers on February 28 includes increases for direct care workers, an end to the children’s long-term support waiting list, increased dental access, and a historic increase in special education funding, among other items. The legislature will now make changes to this proposal before a final vote.

Abbey Kaiser of Madison joined The Arc Wisconsin in the Capitol for the Governor’s budget address (see image right).


Don’t know what’s in the budget?

Find out everything you need to know by listening to this webinar hosted by The Arc Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD).

A budget training is coming soon to a community near you!

The Arc Wisconsin is collaborating with the Wisconsin BPDD and Disability Rights Wisconsin to host a series of budget trainings statewide. Come out to see us in your community! Find a listing of training opportunities and links to register here .
Caregivers Are Hopeful for Solutions
Help may soon be on the way for family caregivers and people with disabilities looking for care in Wisconsin. Wisconsin policymakers, people with disabilities, and caregivers will be among those at the table of a new task force charged with finding solutions to the state’s caregiver crisis.

Read about the task force , see the Governor’s Executive Order , and listen to an interview with The Arc Wisconsin’s Lisa Pugh talking about the new Task Force on Caregiving. Lisa was interviewed by Kate Archer on Wisconsin Public Radio's Morning Show (see image right).

Stay tuned for updates to learn who is appointed to this important task force.  
Seeing Is Believing: People With Disabilities on the Job
Helping policymakers to see the contributions of people with disabilities on the job is an important step toward getting the funding and supports necessary to increase competitive integrated employment rates in Wisconsin.

Recently, The Arc Wisconsin worked with BPDD to lead a group on an employer tour around the Capitol to see people with disabilities hard at work. This group included Department of Workforce Development Secretary Caleb Frostman, bi-partisan legislators, and staff from the Governor’s office.

Approximately 890 Dane County businesses employ 841 people with developmental disabilities who earn an estimated $3.86 million annually.
Are You Able to Access ABLE in Wisconsin?
There is a lot of confusion across Wisconsin about how to open ABLE accounts — savings accounts for people with disabilities — which allow you to put away money without compromising benefits. If you are looking for good information on ABLE, check out the National ABLE Resource Center’s comparison tool .

The Arc Wisconsin is working with bi-partisan legislators on improvements to the ABLE program in Wisconsin. Stay tuned!
Attend the Disability Policy Seminar
Join The Arc Wisconsin, The Arc's national office, other disability organizations, and advocates from across the country at the Disability Policy Seminar, April 8-10 in Washington, DC!

The challenges and realities facing the our community demand our focus and diligent advocacy now more than ever. Attend the Disability Policy Seminar to get informed, connected, and ready to protect the things that matter most. Register today !
We Need to Hear From YOU!
The Arc Wisconsin is always in search of supporters of our policy work, and we have an idea we would like your feedback on. Please take this short survey to help us learn what you need from us!