FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2025
The Wisconsin Opportunity Act Bill to Address Growing Rates of Economic Insecurity Among Wisconsin Households is Reintroduced.
Wisconsin Community Action Program Association (WISCAP), Wisconsin’s official Poverty Fighting Network, is celebrating 51 years of advocacy and service to Wisconsin. As part of the national community action movement, WISCAP and its member agencies were founded as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty and from the advocacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King’s life and legacy continues to serve as a powerful catalyst for positive change among Community Action Agencies that call for the passage of a new bipartisan bill titled the Wisconsin Opportunity Act.
The Wisconsin Opportunity Act seeks to address the growing rates of economic insecurity in Wisconsin. The bill authored by Senator Jeff Smith and Representative Ann Roe, provides a comprehensive blueprint for targeted investments in housing, transportation, employment and business development training, and other services.
“Every Wisconsinite deserves the opportunity to build a better life,” said Sen. Jeff Smith. “We must address the barriers keeping people in poverty and this bill tackles those barriers head-on by investing in our people, families and communities.”
“As life gets harder, the majority party continues to turn a blind eye as they stand in judgment of the poorest and the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Rep. Ann Roe. “No one chooses to be poor. Kids don’t choose to be hungry or without a safe place to live. It’s time for my colleagues to stop judging and invest in solutions.”
The Wisconsin Association of Mobility Managers (WAMM) is an organization representing professional mobility managers from across the state of Wisconsin. WAMM President, Bobbi Hegna says, “This year’s version of the Wisconsin Opportunity Act is including 5% increase for public and private organizations for the development and implementation of demand management, ride sharing, and employment transportation assistance programs.” She follows saying, “The Wisconsin Opportunity Act, if passed, could change the lives of many people living in poverty. Please support WAMM in getting this bill passed.”
WISCAP sees this legislation as a necessary step to combat growing rates of economic insecurity statewide. We encourage people interested in having a strong Wisconsin economy to reach out to their state and local representatives and encourage them to support the Wisconsin Opportunity Act.
For additional information on the details of the bill or to endorse the Wisconsin Opportunity Act visit https://wiscap.org/new-advocacy-page/
For more information, please contact:
Tom Behnke
Operations & Outreach Manager
(608) 296-0024
tbehnke@wiscap.org
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About WISCAP: The Wisconsin Community Action Program Association (WISCAP) is the statewide association for Wisconsin’s sixteen (16) Community Action agencies and two single-purpose agencies with statewide focus. You can learn more about WISCAP at www.wiscap.org