Gov. Tony Evers' Child Care Bridge Payments Program Bolsters Wisconsin's Child Care Industry

Strategic Insights -

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has embarked on a statewide tour to highlight the Child Care Bridge Payments Program, a $110 million initiative aimed at supporting the state's child care providers through June 2026. The program is part of a broader $360 million investment in the child care industry, secured by Gov. Evers in the 2025-27 Biennial Budget. This funding comes in response to the winding down of the Child Care Counts Program, which had been providing critical support to providers. The Child Care Bridge Payments Program will provide direct payments to over 3,100 providers, supporting the retention of 25,531 staff and the care of 126,181 kids.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Child Care Bridge Payments Program will provide $110 million in monthly direct payments to Wisconsin child care providers through June 2026, totaling $1.32 billion over the two-year period.
  • The program will support the retention of 25,531 staff and the care of 126,181 kids.
  • The first round of payments totals $8.7 million, with 87% of providers receiving the same amount as they did under the Child Care Counts Program.
  • Additional payments will be made each month through June 2026, with the next application window opening Aug. 23, 2025, and closing Aug. 31, 2025.
  • Gov. Evers' administration has secured over $360 million in child care investments, including $66 million for a new "Get Kids Ready" initiative and $2 million to Wonderschool to help build capacity in child care providers.
  • The 2025-27 Biennial Budget also includes $2 million to bolster Wisconsin's Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, over $123 million to increase rates under the Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Program, and $28.5 million for a pilot program to support expanding capacity in the child care industry.
  • The budget also introduces changes to allow for 'large family care centers' that can serve up to 12 kids and standardize the minimum age for assistant child care teachers to 16 years of age.

Statistics:

  • $110 million: Total investment in the Child Care Bridge Payments Program through June 2026.
  • $1.32 billion: Total value of the Child Care Bridge Payments Program over two years.
  • 3,100: Number of child care providers receiving direct payments under the program.
  • 25,531: Number of staff supported by the Child Care Bridge Payments Program.
  • 126,181: Number of kids cared for through the Child Care Bridge Payments Program.
  • $8.7 million: Total amount of the first round of payments.
  • 87%: Percentage of providers receiving the same amount as they did under the Child Care Counts Program.
  • Aug. 23, 2025: Opening date of the next application window for the Child Care Bridge Payments Program.
  • Aug. 31, 2025: Closing date of the next application window for the Child Care Bridge Payments Program.

Sources:

  • Office of the Governor, The State of Wisconsin
  • [Gov. Evers' Press Release](https://gov.wi.gov/news/23/08/23)
  • [DCF Website](https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/)
  • 2025-27 Biennial Budget